Joana Mamombe challenges Bridget Nyandoro to make ...

Joana Mamombe challenges Bridget Nyandoro to make legal moves

ZimNow Reporter

The rift in opposition appears to be widening as the dispute between former allies Bridget Nyandoro and Joana Mamombe continues to deepen.

Mamombe drew attention to escalating tensions on social media in a post where she demanded that Nyandoro report allegations of criminal misconduct on the part of Mamombe to responsible authorities and not continue to make unsubstantiated social media accusations.

The conflict appears rooted in political disagreements and personal grievances. Mamombe, in her detailed public statement, referenced Nyandoro’s shift in political allegiance from supporting former Citizens for Coalition Change leader Nelson Chamisa to aligning with Sengezo Tshabangu.

Some members, like Mamombe, Gift Ostallos, and Fadzayi Mahere, pledged allegiance to Chamisa, while other elected representatives stood with Tshabangu, effectively splitting the party into two main camps. The official CCC has since disintegrated into an infighting mess after Chamisa pulled out.

In her statement, Mamombe says she supported Nyandoro’s 2023 parliamentary campaign but alleges that Nyandoro has since engaged in “relentless personal attacks” against her, including accusations related to land allocation.

Nyandoro, meanwhile, has previously accused Mamombe of withholding support in a sexual abuse matter, suggesting political loyalty influenced her stance.

In a now-deleted August post, Nyandoro challenged Mamombe to testify in court regarding the allegations, and Mamombe posted a screenshot where Nyandoro made related comments on a post by Nelson Chamisa.

Mamombe has denied involvement, stating she advised Nyandoro to pursue formal legal channels and professional counseling. She emphasized that social media is not the appropriate venue for resolving such matters, urging Nyandoro to “bring evidence to the courts” if warranted.

Mamombe also questioned Nyandoro’s focus on her instead of directly addressing an individual referred to as “Star,” hinting at existing legal protections or restrictions.

Mamombe’s statements repeatedly stress the importance of due process, writing, “If you have any real issue with me, please take it to the courts.”

This echoes growing concerns about the use of social media for airing grievances that may require judicial intervention.

Legal experts and police often caution that unsubstantiated online accusations can lead to defamation claims, particularly when involving serious criminal allegations.