Masarira Hits Out At “Barbaric” Attack On Madhuku

Linda Masarira, leader of the opposition LEAD Party, has condemned what she’s called “vigilante violence” against Professor Lovemore Madhuku and members of his party, the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA).

In a statement released on Sunday, 1 March 2026, just hours after the incident, Masarira described the attack as “barbaric” and said it should be condemned by every progressive Zimbabwean.

Masarira also called on the police to explain their role, amid allegations that some officers may have been complicit in the attack. She wrote on X:

“We unequivocally condemn the violent attack carried out by vigilantes reportedly working in coordination with members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) against Professor Lovemore Madhuku and NCA party members at their official party offices.

“This is unconstitutional and barbaric and should be condemned by every progressive Zimbabwean.”

Masarira pointed to Section 67 of the 2013 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to form or join political parties, participate in their activities, campaign freely, and take part in peaceful political engagement. She said:

“Political rights are constitutionally protected, and I will not remain silent in the face of such violations.”

The former trade unionist said political party offices are legal spaces under the Constitution, and any attempt to interfere with what goes on inside without good reason is really an attack on democracy itself.

She also highlighted other constitutional protections, including the right to assemble and associate (Section 58), freedom of conscience (Section 60), freedom of expression and the media (Section 61), and the right to privacy (Section 57). Said Masarira:

“Zimbabweans have the right to assemble peacefully, associate politically, and express their views without fear of intimidation, assault, or State-enabled violence.

“The police have a constitutional obligation to protect these rights, not undermine them or appear complicit in their violation.

“Professor Madhuku and NCA members’ right to privacy has been violated. Section 57 of the Constitution guarantees the right to privacy, including protection against unlawful entry into premises and unlawful interference with private communications or activities.

“A political party office is private property. Any invasion or attack on such premises without lawful authority constitutes a direct violation of constitutional protections.”

Masarira has called for an immediate independent investigation into the attack, insisting that all perpetrators be identified and prosecuted, including any police officers found to have been involved.

She’s also demanded a public statement from the Commissioner-General of Police, reaffirming that political rights will be protected. Said Masarira:

“The ZRP can not be seen aiding or turning a blind eye to vigilante violence. Any perception that law enforcement is enabling partisan aggression erodes public trust, damages Zimbabwe’s democratic image, and weakens the rule of law.

“As LEAD, we stand in full solidarity with the National Constitutional Assembly and Professor Lovemore Madhuku.

“Violence must never be normalised in Zimbabwean politics. Democracy can’t function where political offices are treated as battlefields and constitutional rights are treated as privileges granted at the discretion of force.”

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have denied any involvement in the alleged attack on Sunday morning.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police had nothing to do with the incident.

He added that the meeting in question hadn’t been officially sanctioned and that officers were keen to get to the bottom of exactly what happened.