Masvingo — Rhinos Musareva (37) the MDC Zaka West district secretary for Defence and Security was abducted on Saturday at Chivamba Business Centre by suspected Zanu PF thugs and war veterans led by Dunanga Bwazvo and Mupangani Chekero from neighbouring Chiredzi North Constituency.

He was handcuffed and taken to a homestead of one Mr Tsvana, a Zanu PF activist, where he was severely assaulted and dragged around the yard. Zanu PF thugs used sticks during the assault. It is alleged that after the battering they took him to the home of one Chiredzi North Prophet, Hardlife Kuzonyei whom they assaulted for entertaining Musareva, who, together with other MDC colleagues some time in March, approached him for prayer.

His alleged crime was that he had prayed for MDC activists in a Zanu PF territory. Upon realising the degree of injury on the two, Dunanga, Chekero and their youths took Musareva and Kuzonyei to a woman in Wasara area, village 4 in Chiredzi North Resettlements. The woman was allegedly force-marched to a nearby Oscro Farm Police Base where the injured were handed over to Constable Moyo and accused of stealing from the woman.

The youths forced Prophet Kuzonyei to sign a statement admitting that he robbed the woman but Rhinos refused despite further punishment that was inflicted on him in full glare of Constable Moyo. Hon Festus Dumbu, the Zaka West MP and the MDC Party structures were then informed about the abductions searched for the two only to find them at Chiredzi Police Station.

Hon Dumbu said: "When I saw Musareva I was shocked to see horrific injuries on him. His limbs were swollen and he was visibly in pain.I requested that he be taken to the hospital and Police indicated it was in their plans to take him to hospital.

Rhinos has not received medical attention despite his serious injuries." He said, "We urge the police to arrest these known thugs if people are going to have confidence and feel secure in their own homes. People need real change. They are tired of fighting.

We have had enough tears, now we just want a new Zimbabwe where all people are free to pursue opportunity and have a right to association. They must have their security guaranteed, before and after making their choices". Musareva sustained soft tissue injuries. The MDC has categorically stated that elections in Zimbabwe should be held in an environment free from violence and that all perpetrators of violence should be arrested.