Activist harassed for mobilising youths to vote
After this spirited effort to canvass the youth vote,there have been attempts by alleged state agents to frustrate him
Staff Reporter
Harare- A youthful political activist is reportedly living in fear after suspected state agents started hounding him for mobilising youths to vote in the coming 2023 elections.
Speaking to this publication,Panashe Chikuni revealed how his enthusiasm in encouraging young people to vote has put him under scrutiny from suspected stage agents
“I have been going around my neighbourhood encouraging my peers and other young people to participate in the upcoming 2023 harmonised elections ,However,it has not been an easy task as state agents have been on our case for mobilising youth voters,”Chikuni alluded.
He added that after this spirited effort to canvass the youth vote,there have been attempts by the state agents to frustrate this.
“This other time I got arrested for organising a meeting with some youths in Hopley at a colleague’s place.The police said it was an unsanctioned meeting but we argued that it was at a private property but they were very aggressive towards us leading to our arrest.
“I had to spend the cold winter night in cells before being let go after they failed to press any charges against me,”added Chikuni.
Chikuni says there are some known Zanu PF activists in his neighbourhood who are issuing threats to him because of the work he has been doing in encouraging young people to vote.
“I have been threatened by Cde Muchaiwa who lives in our neighbourhood for this advocacy I am doing .He often visits our house when I am not around telling my parents that they should dissuade me from being a regime change agent and a ‘sell-out’.
“He also hauled insults towards me in a residential Whatsapp group when I post about encouraging youths to vote accusing me of being an opposition activist ,” revealed the activist.
His revelations are coming at a time the director for Project Vote263, Youngster Matete, was on Tuesday arrested in Gweru at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) offices and charged with illegally gathering people for purposes of registering them to vote.He was arrested together with Allan Chipoyi, the chairperson of the non-governmental organisation.
