Sikhala and his supporters have been left unprotected, as the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) accuses the Zimbabwe Republic Police of inaction. The opposition alleges that violent attacks against them are part of a coordinated campaign by Zanu-PF loyalists, linked to debates over President Mnangagwa’s succession and potential rule extension beyond 2028.
NDWG northern region facilitator Wurayayi Zembe expressed frustration over what he described as police inaction, pointing to the disruption of Sikhala’s book launch in Masvingo on July 11 as a key example.
“The ZRP has not publicly condemned the violent disruption of Advocate Job Sikhala’s book launch,” Zembe said in a statement. “The thuggery, another heinous crime against Advocate Job Sikhala, was captured on camera with culprits clearly identified in videos submitted to the Masvingo ZRP.”
According to Zembe, the attack was led by Esau Mutanho, a Zanu-PF activist who subsequently lost a council by-election in Masvingo’s Ward 7. Despite the submission of video evidence and a formal police report under RRB 6403795, Zembe said no arrests have been made to date.
He warned that NDWG members no longer feel protected by state institutions and urged citizens to consider peaceful self-defence measures to counter what he described as Zanu-PF’s growing “terrorism.”
“The continued impunity for attacks against our members sends a dangerous signal that the state condones political violence. Our supporters deserve protection, yet the silence of the police only emboldens the perpetrators,” Zembe said.
NDWG Accuses Police of Inaction Over Violent Attacks on Sikhala, Supporters
NDWG, a political grouping that opposes attempts to amend the constitution to extend Mnangagwa’s rule, has increasingly been at odds with Zanu-PF over what it calls the ruling party’s “undemocratic tactics.” Mnangagwa has repeatedly reassured the public that he will step down at the end of his second term in 2028, but reports suggest some party figures continue lobbying for amendments that would prolong his tenure.
Zanu-PF, however, dismissed the NDWG’s allegations as politically motivated. Party information director Farai Marapira accused Sikhala of exaggerating events to generate publicity for his book.
“Why should we, as Zanu-PF, have anything to do with the book launch of a failed politician like Job Sikhala?” Marapira asked. “He is simply trying to create hype around his much-ignored book by dragging Zanu-PF’s name.”
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi also rejected NDWG’s claims, urging the group to pursue proper channels for follow-up.
“The procedure is that when a report is made and investigations are underway, there should be regular communication between the complainant and the police,” Nyathi said. “We encourage NDWG to liaise formally with the relevant station to track the progress of investigations.”
Observers say the dispute reflects growing mistrust between opposition-aligned groups, state security institutions, and the ruling party. Zimbabwe’s political landscape remains tense, with increasing scrutiny of party loyalty, state oversight, and the impartiality of law enforcement agencies in politically sensitive cases.
For NDWG, the frustration stems not only from perceived police inaction but also from what it views as the normalisation of politically motivated violence. Members contend that Zanu-PF-aligned thugs continue to operate with impunity, undermining democratic participation and civic safety.
Meanwhile, Zanu-PF officials maintain that accusations of political violence are often amplified by opposition groups seeking attention and leverage in the run-up to major events, such as elections or book launches.
Analysts suggest that such confrontations are likely to intensify as Zimbabwe approaches the 2028 harmonised elections. Reports of attacks, intimidation, and political maneuvering have already raised concerns among civil society organisations about the potential erosion of democratic norms.
“The NDWG-ZRP standoff is emblematic of wider systemic issues,” said a political analyst familiar with the situation. “When opposition figures feel the state cannot protect them, and the ruling party denies wrongdoing, it creates a cycle of mistrust that is difficult to break. How authorities respond could have implications not just for individual safety but for Zimbabwe’s electoral credibility.”
As the nation braces for future political contests, both the NDWG and Zanu-PF appear entrenched in their positions. The opposition insists on accountability for alleged attacks, while the ruling party and police emphasise procedural adherence, leaving the broader public to navigate an increasingly polarised political environment.
The unfolding episode underscores the fragility of political discourse in Zimbabwe, with questions of safety, governance, and law enforcement at the forefront of debates about the country’s democratic trajectory.
Source- Bulawayo24
