By Fanuel Chinowaita
HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) have issued conflicting accounts regarding the alleged assault on the driver of opposition politician Tendai Biti.
In a press statement dated 5 March 2026, police said they had taken note of media enquiries and social media reports alleging that Biti’s driver had been attacked at the politician’s offices.
According to the police, officers had been deployed at Biti’s offices since morning “for the maintenance of law and order.”
“The police officers at the scene did not see or witness anyone beating or assault on Tendai Biti’s driver,” said police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, adding that Biti and his driver left the premises between 1100 hours and 1200 hours while Biti was “cordially engaging and discussing with a police officer (Inspector) without any hassles or clashes.”
The police further urged Biti and his driver to file an official report if the alleged assault occurred at another location where there was no police deployment so that investigations could be conducted.
However, the CDF has disputed the police account, accusing the ZRP of issuing what it described as a “misleading press statement.”
In a response issued Thursday, the forum said Biti had driven himself from his offices because his driver had already been assaulted earlier and taken to hospital.
“For the record, Hon. Tendai Biti left his offices driving himself, as his driver had already been assaulted earlier and taken to hospital after being attacked by men driving unmarked vehicles,” the CDF said.
The organisation added that the driver and a woman who was with him were attacked before Biti left the premises, contradicting the police claim that no assault had been witnessed.
CDF also rejected the police description of Biti’s interaction with officers at the gate, saying the opposition politician had merely stopped briefly to declare that he would not be intimidated.
“When Hon. Biti left his office, he briefly stopped at the gate and firmly stated to the police officers present that he and the Constitution Defenders Forum will not bow to regime tactics designed to instill fear and intimidate citizens,” the statement read.
The organisation said Biti’s driver sustained internal injuries during the alleged assault and is currently receiving medical attention, with further examinations expected to determine the extent of the injuries.
CDF called on police to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to account, rather than “issue statements that appear designed to obscure the facts.”
The incident has sparked debate on social media, with calls for a transparent investigation into the alleged attack.