CCC leader Nelson Chamisa, along with anti-Government activist Hopewell Chin’ono, has launched another GoFundMe campaign to raise funds purportedly to support the families of 74 incarcerated CCC supporters. These supporters were detained following an illegal gathering aimed at planning street protests similar to those unfolding in Kenya. The opposition seeks to garner political sympathy and international attention by highlighting the detention of a member with a one-year-old breastfeeding baby, alleging human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. U.S. Ambassador Pamela Tremont has commented on the matter, urging Zimbabwe to uphold constitutional human rights, a stance praised by Chin’ono.
The opposition’s efforts aim to embarrass the Government and President Emmerson Mnangagwa by portraying them as human rights violators. However, the Prisons and Correctional Service Act (CAP 7:21) ensures a safe environment for children living with their imprisoned mothers, allowing them to stay together until the child reaches the age of two. Despite the opposition’s attempts to provoke unrest, the Security Services are prepared to maintain peace during and after the SADC Summit, supporting the country’s commitment to Vision 2030.
Former CCC leader Chamisa has previously criticized his supporters for falling victim to various fundraising scams. This new campaign appears to be another attempt to exploit supporters financially, benefiting activists like Chin’ono and Gift Ostallos Siziba.
