ZRP Under Fire for Alleged Cover-Up in Nadia Abduction Case
By Loyd Matare
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed allegations of abduction leveled against businessman Batsirai Matiza, sparking widespread outrage and contradicting claims by democracy activists that Nadia Mabvirakure was forcibly taken and later found disoriented and dumped in a bush in Mutare.
Nadia Mabvirakure, a passionate environmentalist and founder of the Green Rebirth Project, had been at the center of a conflict with Batsirai Matiza over the project. On the evening of March 9, 2025, Nadia was allegedly abducted, only to be found disoriented and dumped in a bush in Mutare the following day.
However, in a surprising turn of events, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi dismissed the abduction allegations, stating, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern social media posts on the alleged missing of Vongai Nadia Mabvirakure. The information is misleading the public on the exact position on the ground and police investigations.”
Commissioner Nyathi also revealed that Nadia is, in fact, a suspect in a case of contravening Section 113 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23, “Theft of trust property.”
He added that Nadia was given USD 15,200 cash by Matiza Foundation to acquire materials for a greenhouse project, but instead converted the money to personal use.
Commenting on her X account democratic activist, Linda Tsungirirayi Masarira vehemently disputed the police’s account, accusing them of dishonesty.
“Mashura akaboiliswa,” she exclaimed, before directly addressing the Zimbabwean police on social media, “Are you not ashamed of lying to the world?”
She recounted spending the day searching for a safe hospital for Nadia, only to witness police officers attempting to take Nadia’s statement, which proved impossible due to Nadia’s disoriented state.
Masarira questioned the police’s integrity, specifically targeting Nyathi, “Why are you not doing due diligence and publishing falsehoods?”
The activist’s outrage culminated in a promise to visit the police office the following day, accompanied by journalists, to demand evidence of Nadia’s alleged hospitalization under police guard.
Meanwhile, Masarira also claimed that the abduction of Nadia was a direct attack on all women who dare to lead, who stand up for their rights, and who refuse to be bullied out of what they have built.
“…This was not just an attack on Nadia, it was an attack on all women who dare to lead, who stand up for their rights, and who refuse to be bullied out of what they have built. Batsirai Matiza must take responsibility for his actions and stop hiding behind political affiliations.
“This is not an issue between ZANU-PF and Nadia, it is an issue of accountability. The use of political proxies to push false narratives exposes Matiza as an unscrupulous character who will stop at nothing to grab what does not belong to him.
“We call on law enforcement agencies to take this matter seriously and bring the perpetrators of Nadia’s enforced disappearance to justice. Women must be protected, and enforced disappearances must never be tolerated in this day and age,” Masarira challenged.
