The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), under the leadership of President Nelson Chamisa, is gearing up for a grand campaign rally in Gutu West as part of their by-election preparations.
Ephream Morudu, the CCC’s aspiring Member of Parliament for Gutu West, confirmed the rally, saying “I am pleased to confirm that our CCC campaign rally which is scheduled for tomorrow, November 9, 2023, at Chiriga Business Centre and the preparations are at an advanced stage.”
Furthermore, Morudu emphasized that the rally will kick off at 10 a.m. and has received the necessary approval from local law enforcement.
Honorable Amos Chibaya, CCC’s national organizer, urged all supporters to participate, saying, “I call on all citizens of Gutu West to join us at this rally. We are committed to securing victory in the Gutu West Constituency.”
The Gutu West by-election is slated for November 11, 2023, and its origins trace back to the tragic passing of independent candidate Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi in a road accident. Rwodzi, previously expelled from Zanu PF and was the spouse of Chirumanzu South Zanu PF Member of Parliament, Babra Rwodzi. Because of this, the Gutu West parliamentary election had to be canceled shortly before the 23 August 2023 harmonized elections, due to Rwodzi’s untimely demise.
In the upcoming election, the candidates vying for the Gutu West seat include Ephream Morudu representing the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Sebastian Martin Mudzingwa as an independent candidate, Robson Kurwa for the National Constitutional Assembly, and John Paradza as the candidate for Zanu PF.
There have been reports of politically motivated violence and intimidation, primarily directed towards CCC members, allegedly perpetrated by Zanu PF. Speaking on Studio 7 and Change Radio, CCC candidate Morudu confirmed incidents of Zanu PF members resorting to violence and intimidation against CCC supporters in Gutu West.
In one disturbing case, seven Zanu PF Gutu West members, led by Bhunga, severely assaulted and injured CCC member Ms. Anna China. Additionally, on October 24, 2023, CCC Gutu West member Mr. Ben Mumanyi was injured by Zanu PF member Tirivanhu Mbirimi. These incidents have been reported to the police, although the Zanu PF individuals involved have yet to face legal consequences.
Furthermore, CCC parliamentary candidate Mr. Morudu himself has faced multiple arrests on false charges, obviously politically motivated.
Rangarirai Makocho, a CCC member and campaign manager Morundu commented, “Forever Associates of Zimbabwe [FAZ] and Zanu PF members have been identified as the individuals behind the violence against CCC members in Gutu West.”
Despite the ongoing challenges of intimidation and violence, CCC Gutu West members remain resilient and determined to succeed in the upcoming by-election.
Speaking to Change Radio Mr. Lloyd Mupfudze revealed that CCC’s election agents have been diligently trained to safeguard the integrity of the voting process.
