Devout Catholic Mum, 59, Who Was Attacked By ZANU PF Supporters In 2008 Has Died

A 59-year-old woman from Masvingo, who reportedly suffered internal injuries and chest pains for 18 years following the 2008 presidential election run-off violence, has died.

According to the Masvingo Mirror, Mavis Mahachi, nee Chivandire, died from breathing difficulties at Mpandawana Growth Point at 4 am on Saturday. She had been discharged from Masvingo Provincial Hospital four days earlier.

Her husband, Philip Mahachi, confirmed her death and told the Masvingo Mirror that she will be buried at Farm 84 in Nyazvidzi on Monday.

Mahachi was reportedly attacked on 19 June 2008 by a group of armed ZANU PF supporters led by a senior Zimbabwe National Army officer identified as Magumise. The group, which arrived in two Mitsubishi vehicles, allegedly beat her with logs and left her for dead.

Philip Mahachi’s mother, Pauline Mahachi, who was 90 years old at the time, was also assaulted and suffered a broken arm.

Although the suspects are said to be well known, none of them has ever been arrested or interviewed by the police, according to the report.

Mavis received medical treatment with the assistance of human rights organisations and spent more than three months in hospital in Harare.

Her husband told the Masvingo Mirror that she never fully recovered and had been visiting doctors regularly since the attack.

“The violence against my hapless mother and wife is the most painful thing I went through in my life.

“My mother died a few months later, but my wife continued to endure pain.

“Two Mitsubishi vehicles led by one Magumise came to the farm looking for me.

“When they failed to find me, they attacked Mavis with logs all over her body until she became unconscious.”

Since Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, ZANU PF has faced repeated accusations of politically motivated violence against opposition members.

Despite those allegations, the party continues to enjoy support from some of the country’s most prominent religious leaders, a relationship that has led some to question the moral standing of Zimbabwe’s eminent Christian leaders.