Zimbabwean security forces are attempting to silence the families of those shot dead by security forces in post-election violence, warning them not to speak to the media so as not to “politicise” the violence.

According to media reports in Zimbabwe on Friday, top army and police officials on Thursday visited the family of Sylvia Matambo-Maphosa, 52, of Waterfalls in Harare who died after she was shot in the back by soldiers in the crossfire between protesting opposition supporters and security forces on Wednesday.

Maphosa, a grandmother, was one of six people who the Zimbabwe authorities have confirmed died in the violence which erupted following Monday’s general elections. According to eye-witnesses and other reports, however, the number of dead is as high as 12.  

Teams of army and plain clothes police officers visited the deceased’s family members in Mbare and Waterfalls and allegedly ordered them to “zip up” over the matter.

The deceased’s nephew, Fungai told NewsDay that they were left disturbed by the visit and gag order.

“But why come to our homes when they have already killed our relative. We were shocked to see them here while a helicopter was hovering in the sky. We are living in fear,” a distressed Fungai said.

“She lived here and never at any time did she get involved in politics. She was not in any party structure but died because of a reckless soldier. It’s bad and sad.”

The other family members in Waterfalls refused to be interviewed, saying they would issue a statement later.

The family’s assertions have been denied by national police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, who said she was unaware of the alleged gag order.

“I have not heard anything like that. I will need to find out with the Harare team if they dispatched anyone to do what they are alleging,” she said.