The Zimbabwe Republic Police Tuesday released 11 of the 16 suspects nabbed for politically motivated violence which erupted during Nelson Chamisa’s rally in Kwekwe over the weekend.
The rally claimed the life of Mboneni Ncube (30), who was reportedly stabbed with a spear during the melee.
On Monday, the police said they had arrested 16 people with some believed to e Zanu-PF activists but as of yesterday, 11 were out in unclear circumstances while the other five are still in police cells.
Zimbabwe NGO Forum confirmed the release while calling for justice to prevail.
“Police arrested 16 people in relation to this murder and violence. Only five people
were charged and appeared at Kwekwe Magistrates Court today (yesterday). The other 11 accused were released and were ordered to pay fines. The police did not explain the release of these accused persons on such a serious crime,” Darlington Marange, a Zimbabwe NGO Forum said.
“The culprits should be held accountable to ensure justice for the deceased and his family. To ensure that the culprits are prosecuted, the Forum has dispatched Harrison Nkomo to do a watch in brief with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Nkomo is helping the NPA with technical legal assistance to prosecute the culprits,” he added.
Political violence has been on the rise in the lead up to the much anticipated 26 March by-elections. On Saturday, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was found wanting for fanning violence after he threatened to crush opposition supporters like lice.
