Tinotenda Hove – MASVINGO – A launch event for Footprints in the Chains, a biography chronicling the life of opposition figure Job Sikhala, was violently disrupted on Thursday by a mob of suspected Zanu PF supporters at the Civic Centre.

The book, authored by Munyaradzi Angero Savanhu and edited by Rejoice Ngwenya, is on a nationwide tour with launches in various cities. The Masvingo leg, however, descended into chaos when a group of individuals believed to be aligned with the ruling party stormed the venue.

Eyewitnesses said the group overturned tables, ripped up printed papers and physically assaulted some of the event’s organisers and attendees.

“They were shouting that the event was a political campaign and accused us of trying to destabilise the country,” said one shaken participant.

A visibly distressed opposition activist who attended the launch condemned the attack: “This is exactly what Job Sikhala has always opposed—political intolerance and violence. Imagine being attacked just for launching a book.”

The incident highlights growing concerns about the narrowing space for free expression and political engagement in Zimbabwe, especially ahead of looming electoral contests.

No police statement had been issued at the time of publication.