Staff ReporterHarare, Zimbabwe – In a tragic turn of events, Bishop Tapfumaneyi Masaya, a political activist with the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), was found dead in Harare. Masaya, a respected figure in the community, had been reported missing last week following his alleged abduction in Mabvuku.
Masaya, who was actively campaigning for the CCC’s candidate Munyaradzi Febion Kufahakutizwi in the upcoming 09 December by-elections, was reportedly taken by unknown assailants. His death was confirmed by CCC deputy spokesperson Gift “Ostallos” Siziba, who took to social media to express grief and demand justice. “Our Change Champion, Bishop Tapfumaneyi Masaya, who was abducted in Mabvuku while campaigning, has been found dead,” Siziba wrote, adding, “This has cost an innocent life. He shall have justice.”
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), represented by Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the discovery of a body at the intersection of Arcturus and Lobho Road in the Cleveland area of Harare. However, Nyathi stated that the identity of the victim had not yet been officially established and that further details would be released as the investigation progresses.
The news has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider political landscape of Zimbabwe. Denford Ngadziore, CCC Harare Ward 16 councillor, identified the body as Masaya’s in a social media post, mourning the loss of the “Champion who was abducted in Mabvuku.”
Masaya’s death raises serious concerns about the safety of political activists in Zimbabwe, a country with a history of political tension and violence. The incident is likely to increase scrutiny on the Zimbabwean government and its approach to political dissent, as well as the effectiveness of law enforcement in protecting its citizens.
International observers and human rights organizations are closely monitoring the situation, calling for a transparent and thorough investigation. The incident comes at a critical time for Zimbabwe, which is striving to project an image of stability and democratic progress.
As the community mourns, there is a growing call for justice and an end to political violence. The death of Bishop Tapfumaneyi Masaya is not just a personal tragedy but a significant event in Zimbabwe’s ongoing struggle for democratic integrity and safety of its political activists.
