MDC condemned the violent disruption of its women’s assembly commemorations in Bulawayo on Saturday.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said she was not aware of the incident.
In a statement, MDC information and publicity secretary Terancy Mambende said a group of youths aligned to Zanu PF barricaded the entrance to their offices, attempting to prevent members from conducting a lawful gathering. Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said she was not aware of the incident.
Mambende said MDC Bulawayo youths mobilised and restored access, allowing the assembly to proceed.
“However, as the women were addressing the gathering, the same group returned in larger numbers and attempted to force its way into the premises,” he said.
The youths reportedly threw stones, damaging windows and parts of the roof, but failed to gain entry. Mambende praised the extraordinary courage of the women, who refused to surrender their democratic space to intimidation.
“We are relieved that no member of the MDC was injured during the attack, although property damage was sustained. Due to the disturbances, party president Douglas Mwonzora, who was scheduled to address the gathering, could not deliver his address,” he said.
Mambende reiterated that political competition in a democracy must never descend into violence and intimidation.
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He commended the discipline and bravery of Bulawayo MDC supporters, emphasising that intimidation will never silence voices advocating for constitutionalism and democratic participation.
Zanu PF Bulawayo youth league spokesperson Addington Mpofu, denied the allegations, suggesting such incidents may have been caused by MDC splinter groups. He claimed Zanu PF was focused on Constitutional Amendment Bill No 3, NDS2 implementation and preparations for the 2026 Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa.
Meanwhile, Mwonzora said the alleged attacks were part of a pattern, citing a similar incident that occurred last year.
“The meeting was supposed to be addressed by the women’s assembly leadership. This is an attempt to stop us from fighting the 2030 Agenda. We will not relent,” he said.
Saturday’s disruption underscores ongoing political tensions in Bulawayo, highlighting the challenges faced by opposition parties in exercising democratic freedoms amid accusations of intimidation and violence.
