Staff Reporter
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Binga North by-election candidate, Prince Duveko Sibanda, reportedly attacked some police officers and Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) officials at the Hwange Magistrates Court over a nomination papers signature issue during the nomination court sitting on Tuesday this week.
According to a reliable source, Sibanda took offence when ZEC officials informed him that CCC Secretary for Elections, Ian Makone's signature which was appended on his nomination papers had not been approved.
“Responding aggressively, he allegedly assaulted police officers present at the scene and began hurling insults at members of ZANU PF,” said the source
The source indicated that Makone’s signature had not been approved because, it did not meet ZEC’s ordinance.
The anomaly arose from the fact that CCC interim Secretary General, Sengezo Tshabangu wrote to ZEC last month advising that only Mbuso Siso, Jabulani Ncube and himself were authorised to countersign nomination papers for the party’s 9 December by-election candidates. ZEC, therefore did not recognise Makone’s signature.
“The party was alleged to have used a signature that was not approved in an apparent disregard for the rules and regulations set by the electoral commission,” the source reported
“This event marks another continued disturbing episode in the political history of the CCC party. This event has begun raising questions about CCC’s failure to promote peaceful and respectful political discourse. It is not the first time that the CCC has been embroiled in controversy over violent incidents,” the source added
CCC has faced numerous accusations of using violence to silence dissent. A culture of violence and lawlessness has been evident since early this year. In Mashonaland Central, four suspected CCC activists, namely, Chinyani ward 11 candidate, Honour Mpofu, Chomi Katambarare, Criswell Shambo, and Never Chigayo, stoned Zanu PF District Chairperson, Tony Jasi’s house in Kujogo village under Chief Chiweshe in April this year.
In July, CCC activist Godfrey Chidawu verbally assaulted Mutata village head, Everisto Chidembo following a land dispute where Chief Chipuriro (Clever Mashiki) ordered Chidawu to vacate a communal piece of land which he occupied in Mutata village in ward 7.
The recent incident involving Sibanda will likely fuel further criticism of CCC's approach to politics, with some observers arguing that the party needs to review its stance on violence and adhere strictly to the guidelines set by the electoral commission.
