The MDC Alliance said the tribunal that conducted an inquiry into the alleged involvement of its senior official in the abduction of a Midlands State University (MSU) journalism student will present its findings on Monday.
Tendai Masotsha, the MDC Alliance Women Assembly Chairperson for Bulawayo Province, was implicated in the abduction of Tawanda Muchehiwa on 30 July 2020 in Bulawayo.
Muchehiwa was severely tortured by his captors over a three-day period and suffered extensive damage to his kidneys.
The opposition party had promised to reveal its findings in August but had remained mum hitherto, which has prompted a flurry of conspiracy theories.
In a statement this Friday, the MDC Alliance said it will host a press conference on Monday at the Media Centre to announce the tribunal’s findings. The statement read:
On Monday, 16 November 2020, the tribunal that conducted an inquiry into the alleged involvement of National Council member, Tendai Masotsha, in the abduction of Tawanda Muchehiwa will present its findings at a press conference at 14.00hrs to be hosted at the Media Centre.
In his account, Muchehiwa said on the day he was abducted, he received a call from Masotsha, who said she had flyers that could be used in the 31 July protests and wanted his help in distributing them. He wrote:
At around mid-morning on July 30, my cousin Advent Mathuthu was driving to a hardware shop on Fife Avenue Extension. I asked to accompany him.
While in town, I received a call from Masotsha, who said she had flyers that could be used in the protests the next day. She parked her vehicle and jumped into our BMW, carrying only a handbag.
… Advent was in a rush and needed us to secure the material at the hardware shop, so he drove off and we agreed we would drop Masotsha by her car on our return.
While seated in his cousin’s car with Masotsha, unidentified men approached the duo, told Muchehiwa that he was under arrest and spirited him away leaving Masotsha in the car.
Muchehiwa further revealed that after his abduction, his two cousins were arrested and later released yet Masotsha, who had apparently brought all his troubles, was let go.
His captors also taunted him, saying while he was being tortured, Masotsha was comfy at her home.
This has led to suspicions that Masotsha either voluntarily or under duress led the abductors to Muchehiwa.
