The memorial service for the MDC activist murdered by ZANU PF thugs last week had to be postponed on Monday, to allow for a post mortem. The MDC said the memorial for Chrispen Mandizvidza at Stodart Hall in Mbare will have to be moved to another date to allow them time to get the results of the post mortem.Mandizvidza died in hospital from injuries sustained when he was beaten up two Sundays ago by a mob of violent ZANU PF youths, who attacked known MDC supporters shortly after a constitutional outreach meeting at Mai Musodzi Hall in Mbare. Ten other MDC activists were admitted to hospital after the attack.
A medical report on Mandizvidzas death said he suffered swelling and deformity and there was evidence of severe soft tissue injuries. The MP for Mbare, Piniel Denga, told SW Radio Africa on Monday that Mandizvidza was assaulted with iron bars minimising his chances of survival
Despite one of his attackers being named no arrests have been made. A ZANU PF gang leader known by his first name, Jimmy, has been implicated in the murder. Jimmy is known to live at the Carter House guest lodge in Mbare, but as Denga pointed out, the police wont make any arrests because they will be in deep trouble if they incarcerate anyone known to be ZANU PF.
Over 50 armed police officers in riot gear turned up for Mandizvidzas aborted memorial service, in an apparent attempt to intimidate those attending.
Meanwhile Ruka Chiseva, the MDC organising Secretary for Gutu, died this week from injuries sustained after he was tortured by ZANU PF militants ahead of the bloody June 2008 one-man presidential election run-off. Speaking to SW Radio Africa from Gutu, party spokesman Nelson Chamisa said Chiseva developed complications from his injuries. He was buried on Tuesday.
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