Tendai Zizo

The Zimbabwe Republic police have identified the body of the missing CCC activist, Tapfumaneyi Masaya which they found along Cleveland area at the intersection of Arcturus and Lobho Road after having consultations with the family.

The deceased is alleged to have been abducted by unknown assailants while conducting a door-to-door campaign to boost support for aspiring CCC Legislator for Mabvuku-Tafara constituency, Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi ahead of the upcoming by-elections slated for 9 December.

In a statement,  ZRP said the family of the deceased had positively identified the body yesterday while it was in police custody.

“Reference is made to the Police’s press statement issued on 13 November 2023 in connection with the body found at the intersection of Arcturus and Lobho road, Cleveland area, Harare on 12^th November 2023.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that the body has been identified by the next of kin as that of Tapfumaneyi Masaya (51).”

The police said they are conducting comprehensive investigations into the circumstances surrounding Tapfumaneyi Masaya’s death while waiting for the full post-mortem report.

Kufahakutizwi, who led the by-elections door-to-door campaign expressed grief over the loss of his fellow comrade. He said the development is prompting him to consider quitting from contesting for the parliamentary seat.

“I’m very disturbed because he was campaigning for me, I’m the only recalled MP in Harare and there isn’t any other candidate campaigning for the by-elections. I am very disturbed. I’m even thinking is it still worth the cause such that a person will die for just a by-election so that someone can force their way into parliament? I still want to engage the party to ask if it’s even still worth it to continue with the by-election if we have to preside over dead bodies,” he said.

Reports of politically motivated abductions have been rife in the country. Several international and local organizations have called for the Government to investigate cases and bring perpetrators to book.