A Zimbabwean opposition party has announced that the remains of a missing activist Moreblessing Ali have been discovered in a well, bringing an end to a widely publicised search.
Ali went missing after an argument with a former boyfriend, Pius Jambo.
Jambo, described as a ruling party supporter by the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change, is accused of dragging her from a bar in May.
The ruling Zanu PF party has denied any involvement in the killing and has asked that police conduct an investigation. Ali’s mutilated body was discovered in a well south of Harare.
Police have previously stated that the case is being handled domestically rather than politically.
“The body was observed by Linnah Mukandi (57) who is the mother of the suspect Pius Jamba,” reads a statement by ZRP national spokesperson Paul Nyathi.
“The police (have) been in touch with Moreblessing Ali’s family and (have) stepped up the identification process through forensic science analysts.”
However, opposition spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere claimed that Jambo was involved in previous violent attacks on opposition supporters. She demanded a prompt and impartial investigation.
she tweeted; “Our security team & local leadership are now leaving Chitungwiza Central Hospital mortuary where Moreblessing Ali’s body is being kept. She was found in a mutilated state at the Chisango home. We await a formal report from @PoliceZimbabwe on the murder & demand justice for her.”
Meanwhile the ZRP has warned politicians making public comments over the tragedy.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is disturbed by some politicians, including some lawyers, who are issuing threats to Government officials and the police in connection with this sad case. Some are openly inciting violence,” said Nyathi.
He added; “The public is urged to be patient and allow the current investigations to proceed smoothly.
“The police reiterates that this is a callous and heinous crime of which all efforts will be made to ensure that suspects are brought to book without fail.
“However, any form of intimidation or threats under the guise of politics or social media antics are being monitored by the police. Politicians should not interfere with police investigations.”