SUSPECTED State security agents allegedly attempted to stop a birthday bash for Patrick Cheza’s grandmother, leaving the local community questioning government's commitment to upholding individual privacy.
Cheza, who was the Chirumanzu South candidate in the August 2023 elections, held a birthday celebration at his homestead for his maternal grandmother, Gogo Taruza Maruwana, who turned 112 on Saturday last week.
However, the private function was stormed by police officers and suspected Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operatives who were seen milling outside the homestead's perimeter fence.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko was not immediately available for comment.
In an interview with Southern Eye, Cheza said he received a phone call from the police a day before the event, indicating that the bash could not proceed as they feared the gathering could be turned into a political rally.
“It is quite shocking that in a democracy, police visit people's homes and attempt to stop private functions like birthdays,” he said.
“Besides assuring them that this was purely a private function, the State security agents came again on the day of the birthday. I had to let them in and explain that l was honouring my grandmother, and that is when they left.”
Speaking during the event, Cheza called for unity and development among the local community.
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“All who came today for my grandmother's birthday are welcome. This is not a political gathering, but a celebration for a long life,” Cheza said.
“My maternal grandmother is the one who looked after me from a tender age. I am who l am because of her and I would like to thank God for giving her such a long life.”
His wife, Cynthia, echoed the same sentiments, adding that Gogo Maruwana was a community leader and unifier.
“Gogo Maruwana is a prayer warrior and has always been a development-oriented person and we are blessed to have her not only in the family but the community as a whole,” she said.
A devout Catholic, Gogo Maruwana was born on June 14, 1913.
Before the birthday bash, the Roman Catholic Church held a church service to honour the centenarian.
