HARARE-SOME political activists have gone into hiding after escaping the arrest of his fellow activists at Jameson Timba’s residence.
A close relative of one of the activist , told this publication that his nephew, Brian Tafadzwa Whacha, was among the political activists that were arrested at Senator Jameson Timba’s residence on Sunday but made a good escape together just in time when the heavily armed police came to the opposition’s home .
Brian escaped arrest when police descended on Timba’s residence. He said he was buying refreshments and food for his colleagues at Strathaven shopping center when he saw the police truck.
The relative described how he watched helplessly as his fellow activists were bundled into a truck.He is said to have been in company of other two activists namely Tawanda Mutero and another only identified as Madzibaba.
This publication managed to speak to Mutero who also revealed that he is also into hiding after repeated threats by suspected law enforcement agents who were visiting his home asking for his whereabouts.
“Right now I can not divulge where I am holed because I am fearing arrest and abduction.I heard from my wife and the landlord that some strangers have been visiting my lodgings when I am away asking my whereabouts.
“Actually I have been brave enough to answer your call as I am not sure if you are indeed a genuine journalist but I can safely say we were lucky to escape from arrest together with Brian and Madzibaba,”Mutero confessed.
The other 78 together with Jameson Timba are still languishing in prison. *The arrests are a stark reflection of the tense political climate in the country, where opposition voices are increasingly being suppressed. The government has been cracking down on dissent, using heavy-handed tactics to intimidate and silence activists. This latest incident at Timba’s residence underscores the increasing hostility faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo. Fearing arrest, Brian has reportedly gone into hiding.
“He (Brian) confided to me that since the escape he has observed some people stalking him and he has high suspicions that they are security agents who are after him. *If caught, Brian could face charges of evading arrest and possibly additional charges related to the political activities he was involved in. These could include participating in unlawful gatherings, inciting public disorder, or other offenses depending on the laws of the jurisdiction. The legal consequences could result in significant prison time or fines, further complicating his situation.*
“Currently, he is in hiding and contemplating fleeing this country,” added the relative.
The activists were commemorating the Day of the African Child which is celebrated .on the 16th of June .The day was set aside by the AU as a tribute to dozens of schoolchildren who were killed in the Sharpeville massacred by the Apartheid regime.
There are mounting fears that the Mnangagwa administration wants to crush dissent ahead of the SADC summit to silence the opposition which wants to voice its concern about the deteriorating political situation in Zimbabwe. The crackdown on activists like Brian Tafadzwa Whacha highlights a troubling trend of diminishing civil liberties in Zimbabwe. Such actions by the Mnangagwa administration not only stifle political dissent but also instill fear among citizens who wish to exercise their right to free speech and peaceful assembly. This oppressive environment could have long-term implications for democratic processes and human rights in the country.
