Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Mabvuku-Tafara legislator, James Chidhakwa, has decided to take his abduction case to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, citing police inaction in investigating the matter.
Chidhakwa was abducted in Harare’s Central Business District on November 22, 2023, by unknown assailants.
He was later found in the Arcturus mining area, Goromonzi district — about 30 kilometres east of Harare — severely injured and left for dead. The attack left him with permanent injuries to his left leg and right hand.
Despite the severity of the case, no arrests have been made, and investigations remain stalled one year later.
An investigation by the Zimbabwe Independent, in collaboration with Information for Development Trust, a non-profit organisation supporting investigative journalism, has exposed a troubling pattern of unresolved cases of political violence and murders dating back to 2021.
These cases highlight systemic inaction by authorities.
“Despite reporting this incident, there has been a glaring lack of investigation, arrests, or updates on the case,” Chidhakwa told the Independent in an interview.
“As a victim of such a serious human rights violation, I am entitled to justice, truth, and reparation. I intend to pursue my case with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, seeking redress and accountability for the atrocities committed against me.”
Chidhakwa vowed to pursue justice to the end. He said he will submit his petition to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission in January when they resume operations after the festive holiday.
“I demand that the authorities take immediate action to investigate this incident, identify and prosecute those responsible, and provide me with the necessary support and protection as a victim of torture and human rights abuse,” he said.
“I will not rest until justice is served, and my rights are respected and protected.”
Chidhakwa’s case is not isolated.
Several political activists have reported similar incidents and are exploring various avenues for redress.
For instance, CCC activist Potifar Mwanza filed a lawsuit on October 24, 2024 against Zanu PF senator Anna Rungani and her driver.
He alleges that an accident caused by Rungani’s driver on July 30, 2023, at Nyika Growth Point in Bikita injured him and claimed the life of fellow CCC member Cathline Mupamhadzi.
Mwanza has also lodged a complaint against police officers, accusing them of reluctance to investigate the case.
Through his lawyer, Tatenda Sigauke of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Mwanza is demanding US$10 000 in damages for pain, suffering, loss of amenities, and disfigurement.
Rungani, however, has challenged Mwanza to provide evidence that the driver was on duty when the accident occurred.
In a separate case, five CCC activists from Gutu are planning to sue the State for unlawful arrest and detention.
Tapiwa Chiro, Privilege Goremushandu, Brian Sithole, and Takudzwa Mashiri were detained for two weeks on charges of public violence before the High Court overturned their sentences.
One of the activists, Patrick Chimbare, said he had reported an assault by known Zanu PF activists but was instead arrested along with witnesses despite presenting evidence of injuries.
The group is now seeking legal counsel to file a civil lawsuit against the State.
“We need the State to compensate us for the unlawful arrest and detention,” Chimbare said.
“It is not fair that I had reported that I had been assaulted by known Zanu PF activists but they instead arrested me together with the witness despite that I had injuries. So we are engaging lawyers so that we file at the civil court.”
Chimbare cited lack of funds as an obstacle in pursuing their case through the civil courts.
The victims were seeking a pro bono lawyer to help them argue their case.
Efforts to get a comment from the police on the progress of their investigations were in vain as police had not responded to multiple inquiries through letters and phone calls since June this year.
