In July the radio and The Zimbabwean published a list that exposed by name CIO agents working in and outside Zimbabwe. For six weeks we serialised over 480 names of agents, some of whom were involved in abductions, torture, rape and murder.
This newer document, dated 2008, contains around 759 telephone extensions and 76 different offices and buildings from which the spy agency works. Not only does the CIO have a presence in all the major cities, it has offices in many smaller towns and remote areas.
As our series will prove, hundreds of opposition activists have been and continue to be abducted by CIO agents and taken to these offices to be tortured. Our list will also show surprising deployments of state security agents in furniture shops and at the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre in Harare.
The Central Intelligence Organisation is not used as it should be to protect national security and to safeguard Zimbabweans. Along with the military and the police it is used by Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF to hold on to power, using brute force and intimidation. Experts say the CIO is the most powerful arm of Zanu PF’s security apparatus, the ‘brains behind the regime.’
Political commentator Bekithemba Mhlanga said publication of the addresses of the offices and buildings used by the CIO would help relatives and friends of those abducted in the future. “At least they will know where to begin looking, if their loved ones are abducted.” – SW Radio Africa
Post published in: News