Statement by the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition on the Attack and Abduction of Takudzwa Ngadziore
01 November 2023
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition strongly condemns the recent attack and abduction of Takudzwa Ngadziore, a member of Parliament representing the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in Zimbabwe.
This deplorable act of violence and intimidation is yet another distressing example of the worsening state of human rights and political freedoms in the country.
Ngadziore bravely shared a video recording in which he could be seen facing two individuals, one of whom was brandishing what appeared to be an AK47 rifle – a weapon commonly associated with Zimbabwe's security forces.
He has since been found in Mazowe, some 60 km from Harare, and indications show that his captors tortured him before leaving him.
In addition to Ngadziore, we have recently witnessed the abudction of CCC councillor Womberaishe Nhende, and the torture and victimisation of Mallon Mangarayi of Marondera, who has since gone into hiding since July
This raises serious concerns about the involvement and complicity of state security apparatus in such action
In light of this development, we make the following call:
We call upon the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible, not only for this abduction, but for all the post-election human rights violations we have witnessed, are held accountable for their actions. This is because the abduction of Ngadizore follows a disturbing pattern of systematic attacks, intimidation, and arrests targeting opposition figures and supporters following the widely disputed August 23, 2023 election.
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition calls on the Zimbabwean government to fulfill its obligations under international law to protect the rights and safety of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. The repeated use of violence and intimidation against opposition members undermines the principles of democracy and represents a grave threat to the stability and progress of the country.
We urge the government to take immediate steps to restore the rule of law, guarantee the safety and security of all individuals, and create an environment conducive to free and fair political participation.It is only through genuine inclusivity and respect for human rights that Zimbabwe can achieve lasting peace and prosperity.
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition emphasizes the urgent need for inclusive national dialogue as a means to address the country's political challenges. We believe that a dialogue process, anchored by regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), can provide a platform for meaningful engagement and collaboration between different political actors. Inclusive national dialogue offers the opportunity for all stakeholders, including opposition parties, civil society organizations, and the government, to come together and discuss crucial issues, with a focus on finding consensus and implementing necessary reforms. Such a process can contribute to the restoration of trust, the promotion of national reconciliation, and the establishment of a sustainable political framework that safeguards the rights and aspirations of all Zimbabweans. The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition urges the government to actively engage in this inclusive national dialogue process and to demonstrate a genuine commitment to resolving the country's political challenges. Our appeal also extends to the regional and international community to support and facilitate this dialogue process, as it holds the key to creating an inclusive, democratic, and prosperous Zimbabwe for all its citizens
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition stands in solidarity with Takudzwa Ngadziore and all those who continue to fight for democracy and justice in Zimbabwe. We call on the international community to speak out against these violations and to support efforts towards a peaceful and democratic Zimbabwe.
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