Opposition supporters took control of a funeral after family members banned ruling party officials from speaking. Takaendesa Chisese died as an unsung hero who once shared prison cells with Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo during the liberation struggle. Zanu PF youth brutally attacked him during the 2008 presidential elections when he defended voting rights. His relatives allowed opposition leaders to address mourners at Muwandi Village instead of government representatives. The burial site sits close to ruling party MP Winston Chitando's rural home.
Matthew Takaona told the crowd that Chisese remained loyal to freedom fighting ideals until his death. The opposition candidate described him as one of the greatest heroes who carried the struggle forward without personal gain. Takaona accused mercenaries of taking over Zanu PF and abandoning the original goals of liberation. He emphasized that one person one vote was the main objective that freedom fighters died for. Chisese became poor because he refused to abandon his principles.
Opposition coordinator Lloyd Mufudze warned traditional leaders against supporting any political parties during their duties. He told chiefs and village heads that such actions were illegal and damaged their reputation among subjects. Another opposition official claimed that Chisese died from violence rather than natural causes. The activist left Zanu PF for opposition parties during 1999 after recognizing the ruling party had changed direction. SADC observers declared the 2023 elections invalid according to opposition claims made at the funeral.
Matthew Takaona told the crowd that Chisese remained loyal to freedom fighting ideals until his death. The opposition candidate described him as one of the greatest heroes who carried the struggle forward without personal gain. Takaona accused mercenaries of taking over Zanu PF and abandoning the original goals of liberation. He emphasized that one person one vote was the main objective that freedom fighters died for. Chisese became poor because he refused to abandon his principles.
Opposition coordinator Lloyd Mufudze warned traditional leaders against supporting any political parties during their duties. He told chiefs and village heads that such actions were illegal and damaged their reputation among subjects. Another opposition official claimed that Chisese died from violence rather than natural causes. The activist left Zanu PF for opposition parties during 1999 after recognizing the ruling party had changed direction. SADC observers declared the 2023 elections invalid according to opposition claims made at the funeral.
