Opposition Deputy Spokesperson Ostallos Among 19 Arrested Over Barbourfields Violence
CITIZENS Coalition for Change (CCC) deputy spokesperson and legislator, Gift Ostallos Siziba was arrested in Bulawayo on Wednesday, facing charges of inciting violence.
Siziba was later released and will be appearing in court on Friday.
He is accused of inciting violence that erupted at Barbourfields stadium on Sunday which saw a football match between Dynamos and Hinglanders ending prematurely.
The match ended in ended in the 37th minute after Highlanders supporters invaded the pitch in protest over a free kick that was not given by referee Allan Bhasvi.
Violence spilled outside the stadium with cars being damaged and ZRP officers being overwhelmed.
A total of 19 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The ZRP reports that the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the public violence at Babourfields Stadium is now 19. Investigations are continuing with a view of accounting for all the suspects.#notoviolence
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) September 13, 2023
In a post on X, CCC condemned the “continued persecution” of it’s members.
“Our MP for Pelandaba Tshabalala, Hon @Cde_Ostallos, was arrested today on false allegations of inciting violence. Although he was later released, he has been summoned to court on Friday. The regime has intensified its crackdown against our members after a shambolic, disorganized, rigged and fraudulent election. This continued persecution must stop. #StopPersecutingCCC,” the post reads.
🟡Our MP for Pelandaba Tshabalala, Hon @Cde_Ostallos, was arrested today on false allegations of inciting violence. Although he was later released, he has been summoned to court on Friday. The regime has intensified its crackdown against our members after a shambolic,… pic.twitter.com/QkT3MoBWqm
— Citizens’ Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) September 13, 2023
This follows the recent arrest of CCC Sunningdale MP Maureen Kademaunga and councillor Clayd Mashozhera on attempted murder and malicious damage to property charges.
The State however dropped the charges against Kademaunga after failing to secure evidence.
-New Zimbabwe-
