ZANU PF FIGHTS FOR POWER WHILE OPPONENTS SUFFER

Power struggles in ZANU PF are getting worse. While the ruling party fights within itself, those who speak out for justice continue to suffer. The recent arrest of Job Sikhala and 39 others shows how Zimbabwe’s government treats those who challenge it. Sikhala, a well-known activist and chairman of the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), was taken in by the police in Penhalonga along with other activists. Their only crime? Holding a private meeting.

Sikhala and his colleagues were meeting to discuss social justice and the future of Zimbabwe. But before they could even get far, security agents stormed in. First, it was the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO). Then the Police Intelligence and the CID Law & Order came. And then came the riot police with AK47s. Their leader, a man named Shonhiwa, shouted, “Beat and catch everyone!” This is how Zimbabwe’s government responds to peaceful meetings.

Even though 40 people were arrested, the worst affected is Engineer Joelson Mugari. He was the chief organiser of the group, and now he is very sick. The police refused to give him his life-saving medicine. His colleagues are now begging the authorities to rush him to the hospital before it is too late.

The charges against Sikhala and his team are ridiculous. The police claim that they violated Section 7 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA). But this law applies to public gatherings, not private meetings. The NDWG is not a political party. It is a group of people discussing the problems facing Zimbabweans. Yet, the government still sees this as a threat.

What is shocking is how ZANU PF continues to hold its own private meetings without interruption. When they gather for Politburo meetings, there is no police clearance required. But when activists meet in the middle of a forest, they are arrested and beaten. What does this say about Zimbabwe’s democracy?

The treatment of Sikhala and his group is not new. The government fears anyone who speaks against them. Sikhala himself spent nearly 600 days in prison before being released last year. His crime? Speaking the truth. Zimbabwe is now a country where truth is punished and lies are rewarded.

When the activists arrived at Penhalonga Police Station, they were treated like criminals. Phones were taken away, and they were forced to sit on a dirty floor for hours. Then, they were moved to Mutare Central CID Law & Order. But the authorities did not even ask them to plead to any charges. This shows that there was never a real case against them. The goal was simple—harass and intimidate.

The sad truth is that while all this is happening, ZANU PF is fighting among itself. The real battle in Zimbabwe is not against opposition activists. It is within the ruling party itself. The succession fights in ZANU PF are getting worse every day. Factions are forming, each one wanting power for itself. Some support Mnangagwa, others want his downfall. Some want to bring back the old guard, while others hope for a new leader.

This is why the government is cracking down on activists. They need to silence those who are exposing the truth. They want Zimbabweans to focus on false enemies instead of seeing the real crisis—the battle for power within ZANU PF.

But no amount of arrests can hide the reality. Zimbabwe is suffering. The economy is collapsing. Corruption is everywhere. Young people have no jobs. Hospitals have no medicine. While ZANU PF leaders fight over power, ordinary citizens are struggling to survive.

Sikhala’s arrest proves one thing: the government fears its own people. They know that the citizens are waking up. They know that one day, Zimbabweans will say “Enough!” And when that day comes, no amount of riot police or AK47s will stop it.

For now, the activists may be out of jail, but the fight is not over. The question is—who will be next? Will it be another opposition leader? Another activist? Or will it be an ordinary citizen who dares to speak the truth? Zimbabweans must decide if they will continue to live in fear or if they will stand up and demand justice.

The fight for Zimbabwe’s future is just beginning. And ZANU PF knows it.