Masvingo- A book launch event for advocate Job Sikhala’s memoir, “Footprints in the Chains: The Life Story of Job Sikhala,” was violently disrupted by Zanu-PF youth members at the Charles Austin Theatre in Masvingo.

The event, which featured guest of honor Mathew Takaona, was interrupted when a group of Zanu-PF youths stormed the venue, assaulting attendees and destroying property.

Takaona was left shocked and traumatized after his speech was torn up, and Dr. Takafira Zhou, President of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, was injured when a podium was hurled at him.

The violence escalated as Zanu-PF youths seized and damaged copies of Sikhala’s book. Despite Sikhala’s appeals for calm, the situation became too volatile, forcing him to cancel the event to prioritize attendees’ safety.

Sikhala has condemned the violence and called for the arrest of those responsible. The incident has raised concerns about political intolerance and the role of law enforcement in maintaining public order.

The book launch had previously proceeded without incident in Harare and Bulawayo.