CCC activist Moreblessing Ali abducted, police dismiss political links

HARARE – Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Moreblessing Ali, 46, disappeared on Tuesday, raising suspicions that she may have been kidnapped by suspected state security agents.

Ali disappeared on Tuesday last week after she was allegedly attacked by a mob of Zanu-PF supporters in the Nyatsimbe neighborhood of Chitungwiza and then dragged into a car.

The victim’s brother, Washington Ali, said his sister was “seriously assaulted” while accompanied by a neighbor who was also attacked with a catapult.

“We are very concerned for their safety. We have reports that she was severely assaulted in local shops in Nyatsimbe, accompanied by her neighbour. The neighbour, we know, was attacked with catapults and fled.

“Local MP Godfrey Sithole met the police on Saturday. We know the police are afraid of the local Zanu PF leader and his brother, who were identified as among those present when she was beaten and kidnapped,” he said.

Meanwhile, police spokesperson Paul Nyathi dismissed claims of a politically motivated abduction of Moreblessing Ali in a long statement issued on Monday.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has taken note of various allegations and insinuations on the disappearance of Moreblessing Ali on 24th May 2022 at Chibhanguza Shopping Centre, Nyatsime in Beatrice,” said Nyathi.

He went on to explain the latest police findings in regards to the disappearance of the 46 years old Moreblessing Ali.

“Initial police investigations have revealed that on 24th May 2022, at 2030 hours, Moreblessing Ali and her friend Kirina Mayironi went to drink beer at Chibhanguza Shopping Centre.

“Moreblessing Ali was also in the company of her dog. At around 2100 hours, the two women were approached by Moreblessing Ali’s former boyfriend Pius Jamba who openly told Moreblessing Ali that her dog was irritating him.

“Moreblessing Ali ignored Pius Jamba who went on to pull a pair of catapult from his trousers’ pocket and tried to strike the dog but missed and struck Kirina Mayironi.

“Kirina Mayironi ran into the club to seek refuge. Pius Jamba then had a scuffle with Moreblessing Ali and dragged her into darkness. The two disappeared. All this was clearly observed by Kirina Mayironi who later went home in company of Washington Mutsviri.

“On 25th May 2022, Kirina Mayironi made a report of assault against Pius Jamba and another concerning the disappearance of Moreblessing Ali and her ex-boyfriend Pius Jamba.

“Police investigations have also established that Pius Jamba is not a member of any political party as alleged by some social media activists and politicians.

“Currently there is no evidence to show that Simba Chisango is also linked to the disappearance of Moreblessing Ali or the scuffle which occurred at Chibhanguza Shopping Centre.

File pictures of Pius Jamba doing rounds on social media show him wearing a Zanu PF beret which may clearly insinuate he is a member of the party.

“Police inquiries have also shown that Pius Jamba was accusing Moreblessing Ali of dumping him after he had spent a lot of money on her during their love affair.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public and political activists to allow the current investigations to proceed smoothly without trying to take advantage of the differences between Moreblessing Ali and Pius Jamba to settle political scores or gain mileage.

“The Police is working flat out to locate Moreblessing Ali and Pius Jamba,” said Nyathi.