GOKWE – Zanu PF senior members reportedly ordered police Thursday to block a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) rally planned for Simchembo 1 in Gokwe-Kabuyuni constituency in Midlands Province.
CCC leader Nelson Chamisa, ended up cancelling his address at the rally meant to drum support for party candidate in the constituency which is set to have its by-election on Saturday.
The seat became vacant following the death of Zanu PF MP Leonard Chikomba.
Police besieged the venue where the CCC had already set up its stage in preparation for the rally.
Local Government minister July Moyo, ZANU PF provincial party leader Larry Mavhima and Mackenzie Ncube led the mission to stop the CCC rally as they directed the police.
Four journalists travelling to cover the rally were also assaulted by suspected Zanu PF members.
Three journalists Toneo Rutsito, Tongai Mwenje, Pellagia Mpurwa from Technology Magazine (TechnoMag) and Chelsea Mashayamombe of ZimDaily were assaulted on their way to cover the rally at Chitekete Growth Point.
The attacked journalists lost their cameras and mobile phones to Zanu PF thugs during the attack as Rutsito lost a tooth while Mwenje sustained a deep cut on his forehead.