On the Offensive

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Zimbabwean prosecutors accused 39 opposition activists of “demolishing” one of the ruling party’s offices, allegations that come amid increased tensions ahead of Zimbabwe’s highly anticipated national elections in August, Agence France-Presse reported this week.

Authorities allege that the individuals attacked the offices of the ZANU-PF party in Nyatsime, south of the capital, last week. They are also accused of destroying a number of properties and assaulting members of the Nyatsime community.

The defendants’ lawyers countered that their clients were not present during the violence – but stopped short of saying the accusations were politically motivated.

The individuals were supporters of Zimbabwe’s leading opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).

The incident comes as rights groups and opposition parties are complaining that the ruling ZANU-PF has launched a crackdown on opponents ahead of the upcoming parliamentary and presidential vote.

Earlier this month, another five CCC activists were held on a number of charges following an alleged altercation at a voter registration center.

The governing ZANU-PF party has been in power since Zimbabwe became independent in 1980.

Incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa is running for a second term in office.

Political observers are preparing for a tense ballot in a country where discontent arising from entrenched poverty, power cuts and other shortages of essentials runs deep.