Staff Reporter
Suspected members of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), aligned with Nelson Chamisa, reportedly attacked and defaced the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) offices in Bulawayo.
The attack has heightened tensions between the two opposition parties.
MDC president Douglas Mwonzora confirmed the incident, stating on social media platform X that the CCC was responsible for the attack.
"Thugs from the CCC attacked and defaced our offices in Bulawayo. They wrote messages like Free Timba, Resolve 2023 stolen elections and Stop corruption. For the record, the MDC did not jail Timba. It has nothing to do with 2023 elections," Mwonzora posted.
Mwonzora did not mince his words as he accused the CCC members of being rebels more interested in fighting other opposition parties than focusing on their political agenda.
"The real reason why they are targeting the MDC is because our party has seriously gained ground in Bulawayo despite all the falsehoods they tried to peddle against its leadership. Simply put, they have failed to destroy the MDC brand," he stated.
Mwonzora further challenged the CCC leadership to condemn the actions of their supporters if they truly represented a genuine opposition.
"We call upon the CCC leadership to condemn this violence, barbarism, and hooliganism and reign in their members. Obviously, their aim is to provoke the MDC to retaliate. We refuse to be drawn into the race to the bottom. We shall never be distracted. Right now, Zimbabwe needs a united and serious opposition. The MDC is on record that it stands for the unity of purpose with all progressive forces. It can never want unity with retrogressive forces such as we are seeing in Bulawayo," Mwonzora said.
In response to the attack, Mwonzora vowed that the MDC would reoccupy all its offices currently held by the CCC and reclaim any funds still in the hands of the CCC.
He expressed determination to ensure the MDC's continued presence and operations in Bulawayo.
Political commentator Calvin Chitsunge weighed in on the incident, accusing the CCC of employing retrogressive politics.
Chitsunge predicted that the opposition movement in Zimbabwe was slowly heading towards its demise due to such internal conflicts.
"The CCC's actions are not only divisive but also counterproductive to the overall goal of a strong opposition. If these kinds of tactics continue, the opposition movement in Zimbabwe could be digging its own grave," Chitsunge remarked.
Meanwhile, the attack has sparked outrage among MDC supporters, with many calling for justice and accountability. As the situation develops, the spotlight remains on the CCC's response and whether it will take steps to address the accusations levelled against its members.
