Alert: Roy Bennett Arrested (updates through the weekend)
* Latest update at the top.
Update via MDC Press Release - Police change charges yet again : Sunday, 11:25
Police in Mutare have yet again changed charges against MDC Treasurer General and Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate, Roy Bennett. He has now been charged under Section 61 of the notorious, colonial, Apartheid type law, Public Order and Security Act (POSA)-conspiring to acquire arms with a view to disrupting essential services.
These charges have long been discredited and shown to be fictious. Clearly they are on a fishing expedition, clutching at straws and know fully well that there is no basis, even suspicion, at law to charge Roy Bennett. All these charges are politically motivated, driven by a vindictive and malicious political vendetta against Roy Bennett and the people of Zimbabwe who at this stage want the Inclusive government to get down to the real work of creating conditions for economic recovery and dismantling institutions of dictatorship, rather than attending to the egos of man and women who do not want to accept that change in Zimbabwe is inevitable. As Roy Bennett himself has stated a Zimbabwe of “peace, freedom and democracy in our life time” is possible.
As we have stated consistently, apartheid and fascist laws such as POSA (and Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act) must be repealed. They are draconian legislation. A democratic Zimbabwe has no space for such repressive colonial legislation.
Roy Bennett must be released unconditionally and unharmed.
MDC Manicaland Provincial leadership, MDC members and ordinary Zimbabweans of all walks of life spent their second night at and around the police station, keeping a watchful eye. Police had intended to move Roy Bennett to a location they have refused to disclose.
Roy Bennett is in good spirits and says inmates in his over crowded cell have befriended him and have treated him well and with encouragement.
Update via AFP - Treason charges dropped : Sunday, 11:05
The treason charges against Zimbabwe ministerial nominee Roy Bennett have been dropped but replaced with attempt to commit terrorism, banditry and sabotage, his lawyer said on Sunday.
Update via MDC Press Release – Lawyers granted access – the vigil will be maintained tonight: 19:25
Lawyers representing MDC Treasurer General and Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate, Roy Bennett have been granted access to their client, Roy Bennett.
They reported that Roy Bennett is strong, solid and resolute. He sends his message to all to remain unwaveringly dedicated to the cause of a just, peaceful, prosperous and democratic Zimbabwe. “Whatever these challenges, if we remain unwaveringly dedicated, we will achieve peace, freedom and democracy in our life time-believe me,” he said.
Lawyers say the police are now saying they cannot lay formal charges for now, and will try and work out formal charges on Monday. This clearly indicates that the treason charges are scandalous, frivolous, vexatious and have no basis in law, but are simply politically motivated. These charges have been long discredited and have been shown, like all treason charges leveled against MDC leadership, to be driven by vindictive political motives.
We demand Roy Bennett’s immediate unconditional release unharmed. The Treasurer General and Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate needs to get to work with the collective leadership to deliver on their mandate to providing food, jobs, education and health to all Zimbabweans, responsibilities we have no doubt he will discharge with distinction.
Assistant Commissioner Mabunda and Chiminda Nahu from the Law and Order Section, both reported to have a direct ear with Robert Mugabe, are some of the people behind the arrest of Roy Bennett.
MDC Manicaland Provincial leadership and hundreds of MDC supporters and ordinary Zimbabweans of all walks of life are still gathered around the police station. The Provincial leadership of the MDC have indicated that they will spend their second night outside and around the police station. They will hold a night vigil surrounding the police station to ensure that Roy Bennett is not secretly removed to a place police are refusing to disclose. They will continue to monitor the situation and provide moral support, as Roy Bennett has been informed of their presence.
Heavily armed police are patrolling the police station, but the situation is calm.
The inclusive government must get down to serious business of addressing the humanitarian crisis, create conditions for economic recovery and dismantle institutions of dictatorship. Abducting, arresting and detaining Roy Bennett, Jestina Mukoko and other human rights activists is against the spirit and letter of the Global Political Agreement and does not give confidence to the Inclusive government and the healing which the country desperately needs. All political prisoners must be released and all parties to the Inclusive government must conduct themselves in a manner that gives confidence to the process we have started.
Update from the MDC – Military Intelligence behind Roy Bennett arrest – 14:23
Via Press release – It is understood that the abduction, arrest and charging of MDC Treasurer General and Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate Roy Bennett is being planned, directed and operationalised by the Zimbabwe Military Intelligence Directorate (MID), led by one Mzilikazi, and the Special Agency SAS, the torture unit of the army, led by one Manene . General Constantine Chiwenga is also party to it. These people are known for their declared passionate and fanatical hatred of Roy Bennett.
We are also aware of an intent to dump Roy Bennett into Chivero river.
It is futile and ill-considered for anyone to go against the very momentum of history. Change in Zimbabwe is inevitable. Bravado akin to ridding on top of a hungry lion in a time of unprecedented famine, hoping to remain in control of both lion and the natural process of weather is illogical. Any harm on Roy Bennett will be placed squarely on those responsible.
We demand the unconditional release of Roy Bennett unharmed so that he can attend to his normal duties in the party, in government and to his family.
The real issues are creating conditions for economic recovery and dismantling institutions of dictatorship. This is what all parties to the Inclusive government should be focusing on.
Another vehicle which is part of the operation is a Toyota Hilax with registration number ABD1317
In an earlier release, the MDC said:
State-interrogators from Harare are making their way to Mutare where MDC Treasurer General and Deputy Minister Agriculture designate, Roy Bennett, was being held. They said that lawyers representing Roy Bennett have been told that they can only see him at 1600hrs.
Update – the MDC have issued a retraction: 11:22
MDC Mutare Brian James has NOT been arrested. He’s fine and taking part in the vigil.
Update via MDC Press Release: 10:38
MDC Mutare Mayor Brian James who spent the night at Mutare police station, and attempted to give food to MDC Treasurer General and Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate Roy Bennett has been arrested at the same police station where Roy Bennett is being held.
Update: Saturday morning
MDC Press Release – Police detaining MDC Treasurer General and Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate, Roy Bennett have denied him food. MDC Mutare Mayor Brian James and MDC Manicaland Provincial leadership have unsuccessfully tried to negotiate with police to allow them to give him food.
Hundreds of MDC supporters and members spent the night outside Mutare police station where Roy Bennett is being held, demanding his release. They have also been keeping a watchful eye on all movements around the police station to make sure that police do not remove Roy Bennett from the Mutare police station to one of the torture and interrogation bases in Marondera or Goromonzi as police had attempted to do earlier in the day. The police station is heavily guarded by armed police.
After intially charging Roy Bennett with attempting to leave the country illegally, police have now charged him with treason.
Its is understood that the Chief State prosecutor is making his way to Mutare.
Update from the MDC: Saturday – 00:23
Police at Mutare police station who have charged MDC Treasurer General and Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate, Roy Bennett with treason, say they will keep him at the police station until tomorrow and it is only then that they can take a warned and cautioned statement. The police inability and unwillingness to take a statement from Roy Bennett 11 hours after abducting him clearly shows that these police and state agents are being remote controlled and acting on a remote controlled instruction from somewhere. (Via Press Release)
Update from the MDC — Bennett has been charged with treason: 21:52
Police have again changed charges on Roy Bennett. They have now charged him with treason. These charges are scandalous, vexatious and without bases in law, but are simply politically motivated, simply intended to justify the continued incarceration of Roy Bennett.
Roy Bennett must be released unconditionally and unharmed immediately. All state institutions must respect the rule of law, human rights, the spirit and letter of the Global Political Agreement and conduct themselves in such a manner that gives confidence to the inclusive government, so that all parties may be able to attend to the real issues of uplifting the lives of the people of Zimbabwe. The restoration of people’s freedoms, human rights and democratisation are some of the basic deliverables of the Inclusive government. This theatre of absurdity must end.
Despite the firing of live ammunition in the air and the use of police dogs to disperse hundreds of MDC supporters surrounding the police station, MDC supporters are still at the police station demanding the immediate release of Roy Bennett. (Via Press Release)
Update – Media Statement released by the MDC: 21:30
Roy Bennett must be released unconditionally and unharmed immediately. All state institutions must respect the rule of law, human rights, the spirit and letter of the Global Political Agreement and conduct themselves in such a manner that gives confidence to the inclusive government, so that all parties may be able to attend to the real issues of uplifting the lives of the people of Zimbabwe. The restoration of people’s freedoms, human rights and democratisation are some of the basic deliverables of the Inclusive government. This theatre of absurdity must end.
Update from the MDC: 20:44
Hundreds of MDC members and supporters have surrounded Mutare police station, where MDC Treasurer General and Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate is being held. There is heavily armed police. Police have charged Roy Bennett with attempting to leave the country illegally. However they keep back tracking and are incoherently inconsistent on what they intend to do and charge him with. Clearly desperate and clucthing at straws. Three lawyers are now in attendance to represent Roy Bennett.
A second MDC release that came in soon after the one above said:
Police have started firing live ammunition in the air and have brought dogs in an attempt to disperse hundreds of MDC supporters that had surrounded Mutare police station in support and demanding the release of Roy Bennett. Police intend to remove Roy Bennett from the police station to a place they have refused to disclose. The two vehicles that were used by the police to carry Roy Bennett from Prince Charles airport to Marondera and to Mutare police station are back at Mutare police station, this time without registration plates.
MDC Treasurer General, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate, Roy Bennett is now in Mutare at Mutare police station. Police attempted to take Roy Bennett to an inaccessible rural police station. About 200 MDC Manicaland Provincial Executive and members barricaded the road and demanded the release of Roy Bennett. Lawyer representing Roy Bennett Mr. Trust Maanda negotiated with the MDC members and police returned to Mutare police station. The police station is surrounded by heavily armed police police. Police have denied Mr. Maanda access to Roy Bennett insisting that they want to interrogate him alone. MDC Mayor for Mutare Brian James is also at the police station.
Update: 18:57
Roy Bennett is now in Mutare. Apparently his movements are being monitored by MDC supporters and the general public. We’ve been told that crowd is growing in Mutare – we assume at the police station.
Update: 18:35
The passengers who were travelling on the same plane that Bennett was about to leave on before he was arrested have now been allowed to leave Zimbabwe and are on their way to Lanseria, South Africa. Meanwhile, Reuben Barwe has been on the ZBC (state controlled media) talking about the wonderful new cabinet (essentially the same one Mugabe described as the ‘worst in history’ last year). Not a word mentioned to the people of our country about the fact that a designated Deputy Minister has been arrested and whisked away by state agents.
Update from the MDC: 17:13
Silver Hilax carrying abducted MDC Treasurer General and Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate with registration number ABD3595 is currently refueling at Marondera police station and is about to go to Mutare.
Update on SWRadio Africa: 16:52
MDC Treasurer General and Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate who was abducted just after 1500hr at Prince Charles airport was last seen being transfered from a Toyata truck with registration number AAP4851 which picked him from the airport into a silver Hilax twin cab with registration number ABD3595 and the car is driving towards Goromonzi which is also a notorious base for torture and interogation. (Note: We received this information too but have since been told its not the case. There’s a lot of confusion.)
Update: 16:29
Roy Bennett is being taken to Marondera, not Goromonzi.
Update: 15:51
One of the sources mentioned above just sms’d that he believes that Bennett has been taken to Goromonzi. We assume a police station there. We’re still anticipating he should be released, given the information that orders to that effect have been issued by top-dogs.
Update – unconfirmed: 15:45
Two different sources have told us that they believe the instruction to release Bennett was issued by Robert Mugabe. This is unconfirmed.
Update via SW Radio Africa: 15:23
We believe arrest warrants have been issued for election expert Topper Whitehead and MDC MP for Marondera, Ian Kay. We also believe the leaders of the three political parties are in an emergency meeting and the swearing in of the Cabinet is delayed.
Update: 15:16
We’ve been advised by a reliable source that Manangagwa has issued an order for Bennett’s immediate release.
Update from the MDC : 15:06
Roy Bennett, MDC Treasurer General and Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate has just been abducted up by Police from the Law and Order section at Prince Charles airport just outside Harare. The police were led by one Assistant Commissioner Nyongwe. He was taken in a white Toyota with registration number is AAP 4851. We understand that they are taking him to Marondera, where there is notorious torture and interogation base, the same place MDC Secretary General, Tendai Biti was taken upon his return from South Africa. (Press Release)
This very short Press Release received from the MDC:
Roy Benett, MDC Treasurer General and Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate has just been arrested by state agents – details to follow
February 13th, 2009 15:31
On Thursday Mr Bennett told the BBC that he was in hiding as the security services had issued an arrest warrant for him.
The BBC’s Andrew Harding in the capital, Harare, says Mr Bennett was in no doubt that Zanu-PF hardliners were trying to scupper the new coalition.
“They want us to walk away from this deal. We’ve just got to be smarter than them,” he said.
from bbc 13.31
February 13th, 2009 16:47
It is very difficult to find words to describe the insane behaviour of people who just can’t seem to do the right thing. While they are looking for the entire nation to put aside their very legitimate greniences against them they will not put aside their petty and peurile spats against Jestina, Ray and others.They have been handed the opportunity to take the easy way out of a mess they have dcreated but insist on taking the difficult route. It is just plain dumb!
February 13th, 2009 17:25
This is a test for Morgan and Robert. Deal with this decisively or we will forever be held in ransom by these hoodlums. Our Nation deserves better.This is the real test good people cannot keep quite any longer. Now that you are one lets focus our energies on the common enemy, victory is in sight. Just keep your eyes on the ball.
February 13th, 2009 18:10
@ Nationalist Nkalanga
Your statement ….”victory is in sight. Just keep your eyes on the ball.”
…is one heard often before the March 29 2008 elections…It was also heard just before the June 27 run off…it was also heard around the time of the September 15 GPA…
Do you actually see Zimbabwe through the lens of actual reality? I only ask because you then go on to state…”Now that you are one…”
Excuse me what victory? what ball? and who is supposed to be ‘at one’?
Bennett is abducted by the security services on the day ministers of government are sworn in? Morgan will exonerate the chefs in charge of the abduction of Bennett(only in Zimb can a Minister be abducted with no police or security service response)
The people holding Bennett are probably lecturing the Deputy Minister of Agriculture about not ‘reversing the gains of the land revolution’…Morgan will bluster but do NOTHING…
If Bennett is harmed Morgan wont even sack any of the securocrats in cabinet that Mugabe once described as “the worst cabinet ever”
!!!!
Welcome to the new Zimbabwe.Nationalist Nkalanga
..TAPINDA SAVE and MDC
February 13th, 2009 18:41
Of course this arrest was down to Mugabe. Nothing will change in Zimbabwe until he is off the scene. And I think we all know that.
February 13th, 2009 21:49
I called Mutare Central asked if they were holding Roy Bennet, got passed on. Then I said he must be released and that the whole world was watching. They then seemed to deny that they were a police station and that i had the worng number?
Can someone else try a few numbers (i tried the first) and see where you get. I aasume he is at Mutare Central but no idea from the MDC releases…
020 69021, MTE CENTRAL H/CHITEP MUTARE
020 63813, MUTARE CENTRAL H CHITEPO ST MUTARE
February 13th, 2009 22:48
@Jim –
No answer at the second number. The first number answered by pleasant sounding lady who said that this is not a police station. It clearly is not a private home either and the lady did not sound confused or annoyed as one would expect if this were a private number. So I think it probably is a police station or some kind of official place; she answered, “can I help you”.
So anyway, I apologised for disturbing her and said that many of us here in South Africa are very concerned about Mr Bennett as he has an important appointment to keep in Harare; and that this arrest situation IS A DISASTER for Zimbabwe.
It’s quite obvious that whatever role Mugabe himself may or may not be playing, during the past week the former JOC have decided to play their own game. A stand off was needed; maybe this is it.
How amazing that the abduction was tracked and that people have been able to mobilise so effectively. Go, Zimbabweans! You have nothing to lose but your chains!
February 13th, 2009 23:11
Another clear sign of what is to come. If Morgen accepts being PM in a government like this, we are doomed.
February 13th, 2009 23:49
SA NEWS 24 …Mugabe promises his sincerity
Harare – Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe said he will work “sincerely and honestly” with members of the national unity government, including those of the opposition, that he swore into office on Friday. “When I say, I am committed I mean it. When I say I want to work with you sincerely and honestly, I mean it. I want to believe when my colleagues say the same, I should believe it,” he said shortly after inaugurating the cabinet. “Let’s know each other more. When we get to know each other, we start feeling for each other, having faith in each other having confidence among ourselves,” he said. “The people will expect a lot from us. Let’s never let them down. It should never be forgotten that the suffering of our people is our suffering. Our failure hurts them and our success yields benefits to them,’ he stated. Mugabe, 84, who has been in office since independence from Britain in 1980, was speaking of a national unity government headed by long-time foe Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). “Today has proved that in spite of all the quarrels we are one people. We have one goal, one destiny,” Mugabe said. Mugabe’s seeming conciliatory remarks came after security agents arrested a top aide to Prime Minister Tsvangirai. (MORGAN / MDC BELIEVE EVERY WORD)
February 14th, 2009 00:48
Am I surprised?
Trying to work out who is giving enough rope to hang by, and who is going to be doing the skipping.
Seems to me like someone is doing a bit of baiting and someone is doing a bit of provocation.
February 14th, 2009 01:47
This is, and will always be, a sham of a unity deal. Morgan and his MDC are to be admired for their courage to go ahead at full steam, but Mugabe and his conniving Zanu PF party will always play every trick in the book to get what they want, when they want. And while pals like Mbeki and Motlanthe are still around, the MDC will not get anywhere.
Mugabe has only entered into this deal to get rid of the targeted sanctions against him and his henchmen, and thank god the US, UK and EU have more brains and won’t do anything until Mugabe stops the brutality and the looting.
It’s a sad fact that nothing in Zimbabwe will change until Mugabe and his cronies are well and truly gone.
February 14th, 2009 04:04
Zimbabwe’s PM: world needs to get over Robert Mugabe
Morgan Tsvangirai says the global preoccupation with Mugabe is misguided, and that Zimbabwe has other obstacles to recovery
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/feb/13/zimbabwe-morgan-tsvangirai-robert-mugabe
February 14th, 2009 13:52
Isn’t MDC in joint control of the police now?
Don’t bother answering – that was rhetorical…
February 14th, 2009 15:28
This is typical of the lying and insincerity of ZanuPF regarding the shared government. [edit]
Enough of the diplomatic road! SA should also send in forces to defend the deal they brokered as it makes a mockery of the whole process and a complete waste of everbody’s time. Theirs and SADC credibility is at stake. Take off the kid gloves and take a hard line NOW!!!
February 14th, 2009 16:26
@paul canning – Morgan & MDC – don’t be so naive! Yes Mugabe himself may be a spent force, but it is still his skirts behind which the upcoming demons hide – JOC and so on.
The name has to go – that’s with capital letters – GO! Then the flushing out can begin as those evil bastards panic & look for a new validator of their sinister agendas.
February 14th, 2009 16:55
Ants, you beat me to it…
Despite being an annoyance, as said in so many words by Tsvangirai, Mugabe has one thing in common with Saddam, Lumumba, Pol Pot, Duvalier, Marcos, Mussonlini etc – once they’re out of the way, things seem to change. It’s not always been for the better, but it enables system tweaks which would have otherwise impossible.
February 14th, 2009 18:04
Any way to reach the police stations or others such as CI by email.
Graeme
February 15th, 2009 00:50
Mugabe has allies in South Africa. They must pay the price by getting FIFA to take the World Cup Soccer away from SA.
Lets stop pussy footing around. We need action no more words.
February 15th, 2009 11:18
I agree with just the truth.
Its time we contacted the sponsors of the World cup en masse and let them in on the truth.
February 15th, 2009 12:31
Sign the petition to move the World Cup from South Africa
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/boycott-south-africa-world-cup-2010-in-support-of-zimbabwe.html
February 15th, 2009 15:47
Great site will add it to favourites
My family and I are praying for Roy and his loved ones.
I think the name and shame campaign will work and no matter how fanatical they are they also know there is a tomorrow
Keep strong. God be with you
Regards Joe
February 15th, 2009 18:43
To Mr Bennet
This letter serves as an encouragement to you in this time of the need .Remember the children of israel when they were about to leave Egypt.They were opressed to an extent of death but the Lord of heaven rescue them.This also applies to us we are about to cross the red sea and the king of Egypt is now working overtime by doing what he is doing to you.But one thing that i know is that we are going to cross the red sea and iam sure you do agree with me that we are almost 90% out of the red sea.So Mr Bennet don’t worry we are with you in our prayers.Remember the last kicks of a dying horse are very dangerous.
The Lord of heaven will serve you.
Samadonhora
February 15th, 2009 20:33
I don’t see how ‘conspiring to acquire arms with a view to disrupting essential services’ can make any sense as a charge without accredited evidence’. As for the charge ‘attempting to leave the country illegally’ this is ridiculous considering he was due to fly to south Africa where he has been living for some time. South Africa should get involved and isist on his immediate release.
There is obviously a vendetta against Roy Bennett. They see him still as a dangerous foe and his life may very well be in danger. It seems to me that the armed forces chiefs (JOC) might well be involved. As for a charge of treason (which I understand has now been dropped), any attempt to interfere and overturn a constitutional and legitimate government, or part of it, by force is itself an act of treason. Zimbabwe has got a chance for a democratic and successful future, or it will remain bogged down in military style dictatorship and corruption. Roy Bennett certainly represents the former side of the equasion.
February 16th, 2009 00:57
Roy Bennet, arrested this early, after the GNU swearing in ceremony, Tvangirai confused by his selection of Mps, appointing and retracting.
He has frustrated his own party, and cracks are showing in the MDC, this early.
mugabe must be laughing at this MDC circus. Then people in Matabeleland want to form a new Zapu.
Why, the eastern block are already at it.
And the zapu people are starting a new emotionally charged opposition that will only lead to another frenzy of murder in matabeleland.
mugabe must know that tsvangirai has lost it in matabeleland. This is the time he can call for the ‘elections’ and ‘rout out’ this silly disorganised party.
Excitement = dreams of forex for us all.
Spare us tapota.
February 16th, 2009 14:35
@Matibili – I find it amazing that you have conjured up a way to blame Tsvangirai and the MDC for the arrest of Bennett. You somehow come up with the assertion that Mugabe would be laughing. Zanu PF has just lost half of it’s power, that is no laughing matter for them.Also surely you mean his selection of Ministers and not MP’s?
As for ZAPU – remember they were in place before the elections and the people of Matabeleland still voted MDC.You are presenting a strange mix of wishful thinking and plain BS.
That is just what we need an opposition based on emotion.
Are you Zanu in Disguise?
February 16th, 2009 16:38
On freedom, from an Eastern sage:-
“At the city gate and by your fireside I have seen you prostrate yourself and worship your own freedom, even as slaves humble themselves before a tyrant and praise him though he slays them… You shall be free indeed when your days are not without a care nor your nights without a want and a grief, but rather when these things girdle your life and yet you rise above them naked and unbound.
“And how shall you rise beyond your days and nights unless you break the chains which you at the dawn of your understanding have fastened
around your noon hour? In truth, that which you call freedom is the strongest of these chains, though its links glitter in the sun and dazzle your eyes. And what is it but fragments of your own self you would discard that you may become free? If it is an unjust law that you would abolish, that law was written with your own hand upon your own forehead. You cannot erase it by burning your law books nor by washing the foreheads of your judges, though you pour the sea upon them. And if is is a despot you would dethrone, see first that his throne erected within you is destroyed. For how can a tyrant rule the free and the proud, but for a tyranny in their own freedom and a shame in their own pride? And if it is a fear that you would dispel, the seat of that fear is in your heart and not in the hand of the feared.
Verily all things move within your being in constant half embrace, the desired and the dreaded, the repugnant and the cherished, the pursued and that which you would escape. These things move within you as lights and shadows in pairs that cling. And when the shadow fades and is no more, the light that lingers becomes a shadow to another light. And thus your freedom when it loses its fetters becomes itself the fetter of a greater freedom.”
February 16th, 2009 17:19
@Anonymous
Comprehension skills can be hard to get. I simply mean that Roy Bennet has been arrested so early. Isn’t that an indicator to you that something is wrong with the so called GNU.
Secondly I don’t know what you mean by me conjuring up an idea that Tsvangirai is behind the arrest.
Whether its MPS or Ministers, just watch the process and tell me afetrwards if your hopes are so high as to dream of the man as a wise decision maker.
Do not be in denial, this guy has swallowed the idea of power and forgotten that it comes with alliances.
The Zapu I am talking about is different from your perception of it.
From your tone you sound up beat and I am not, yet. And parties formed out of emotion survive on it and the results are emotional decisions that end up being murderous in the name of ethnic sentiment, an outdated and retrogressive stance.
I am not zanu,never have been and will never be, but I am a critical observer. Don’t get excited by these early stages of so called ‘unity’. To me they are transparently fake.
Is criticism of the MDC a ticket to being zanu then!?
February 16th, 2009 18:26
@Matibili – Firstly let me adjust my previous assertion you are indeed not blaming the MDC but you are in my opinion insinuating that somehow they are at fault over this arrest. Sure the arrest is an indicator that something is wrong with the deal, it would be impossible for a deal between such diametric opposites to be in some manner flawed but this is hardly a revelation.
I also beg to differ that some guy, I assume Tsvangirai, has been “swallowed by the idea of power”. This guy for all the criticism levelled at them stood up as one political party against the position taken insitutionally by the AU and SADC and individually by the majority of African countries. The faught it out to the bitter end and came to a point where they had to decide on their effectiveness of having some power to change the situation in Zimbabwe as apposed to having none at all.
I am not upbeat about the deal but I choose to see it this way. ZANU PF has lost more than half of it’s control over government and power, how do we build on that? A few months ago ZANU had total control now they control the things they think will keep them in power, the same elements they had before and still lost grip, the same elements that have been openly rebelling in recent days. Instead of despairing at a few acts of desperation by a regime that knows it is on it’s way out let’s find ways to help them on their way.
As for ZAPU – the last thing we need is a return to tribal or emotional politics – you actually seem to be agreeing with me on this I will leave it there.
By all means criticise the MDC, constructively. Criticise them for the things they have actually done and how they counter ZANU’s rash actions but criticism based on an inate feeling that ZANU always wins or is winning is unfair. for the record I am not an MDC supporter but I do acknowledge the efforts they have made in helping bring us this far.
February 17th, 2009 00:33
Thanks for that Anonymous.
I have observed the party politics of my country and have become a bit of a sceptic since independence.
I pray that there will be no further arrests, no ‘unfortunate’ car accidents, especially of people that are progressive and effective in the process.
This has been characteristic, especially contrived by the people that are still holding the reigns of power. Has the junta been tamed and if not have they bowed out, I doubt it.
It is a positive move to see the opposition in parliament, my question is, with the constitution the way it is and the executive powers bestowed on the president let’s watch and learn.
Dealing with zanu calls for a bit insanity.
Deal with them on a level playfield at your peril.
How many of us know what is right but have been overwhelmed by this culture of unaccountability and dictatorship.
Perhaps, as true grit indicates, we need to free ourselves from a dual political, psychological and social mentality and existence.
February 17th, 2009 11:54
@Matibili. –
Never a truer word spoken. There is so much in our psychological make up that we have to unlearn before we as Zimbabweans can be free – it is more than just a political process
Hasta La Vitoria Sempre!!!
February 22nd, 2009 11:33
THE new unity government of Zimbabwe, launched with fanfare on February 13th, has got off to an inauspicious start. It appears that orders issued by the new prime minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, are already being countermanded by ZANU-PF, formerly the sole ruling party, still bent on keeping the upper hand. Rumours of a coup, planned by a cabal of disgruntled senior security men and ZANU-PF bigwigs opposed to any real power-sharing, are rife. No one knows quite who is in charge
This was the most beautiful country in the
world now it’s being destroyed. This country was the granary of whole Austral Africa, we sue to export our best tobacco whole over the
world, now we are all dying of cholera.
But why did this happen ? Ciao—