A Bulawayo political activist has found refuge in Ireland after fleeing Zimbabwe following what he says were years of intimidation, threats and harassment linked to his support for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
Thembelani Ndlovu, who says he joined the MDC in 2012, claims his political activities in communities around Bulawayo made him a target of ruling party supporters and other individuals opposed to the opposition movement.
Speaking to Newsday, Ndlovu said he became actively involved in mobilising support for the MDC because he believed in the party's agenda of democracy, human rights and accountable governance.
"I participated in community meetings, campaigns and voter mobilisation programmes because I wanted to see positive change in the country," Ndlovu said.
According to Ndlovu, his political involvement included attending party meetings, distributing campaign material, encouraging voter participation and assisting with the organisation of community discussions.
However, he alleges that his activism exposed him to growing hostility and intimidation.
Ndlovu said he was subjected to threats, harassment and constant fear for his safety, adding that the situation worsened in early 2022 when he allegedly received direct threats from individuals linked to the ruling party.
"The threats became serious and I began fearing not only for my own safety but also for the wellbeing of my family," he said.
He claims the hostile environment left him with little choice but to leave Zimbabwe and seek protection abroad.
Political tensions and allegations of intimidation against opposition supporters have frequently surfaced in Zimbabwe, particularly during election periods, with human rights organisations repeatedly calling for the protection of political freedoms and the right to participate in political activities without fear.
Ndlovu said relocating to Ireland offered him an opportunity to live without the fear he says had become a constant feature of his life in Zimbabwe.
"I left because I believed my safety was no longer guaranteed. I hope one day I can return home and participate freely in the political life of my country," he said.
The opposition party's provincial spokesperson, Alfred Dzirutwe, bemoaned what he described as isolated cases of targeted intimidation by rogue state security agents and ruling ZANU PF supporters.
"Although there was relative calm in 2021 and 2022, we continue to receive reports of targeted intimidation of activists in some communities by rogue state security agents and ZANU PF zealots. There are growing fears that repression could intensify as the country moves towards next year's elections," Dzirutwe said.
His case highlights the experiences of some Zimbabweans who have sought refuge outside the country, citing political insecurity and fears of persecution linked to their political beliefs and activities.