Take Action : Demand that all abducted people in Zimbabwe are returned safe and well
23 April 2009: Memorise the names of those violating Dhlamini and Mudzingwa’s rights
We’ve received more information from a Harare activist giving us an update on what’s happening to Chris Dhlamini and Ghandi Mudzingwa. To remind you, Dhlamini and Mudzingwa were both granted bail on Friday last week. Our emailer tells us that the bail conditions were:
“US $1000, report to nearest police station on a Friday between 6 am and 6 pm, and don’t interfere with witnesses. They are to appear in court on 30th April, 2009 for further remand”.
As a result of of receiving bail, the prison guards left the hospital where both Mudzingwa and Dhlamini are being treated (for horrific torture injuries inflicted upon them by State agents). Mudzingwa and Dhlamini spent Saturday and Sunday on their own, unguarded.
On Monday 20th, as we reported in this post here, the two men received visits from three men we named – Detective Chief Inspector Ntini, Detective Inspector Muchada, and Detective Assistant Inspector Mukwaira – our emailer has provided a fourth name and further information on where the men are based and their roles. See summary below:
Detective Chief Inspector Ntini – Harare Central Law and Order
Detective Inspector Muchada – Harare Central Law and Order (refused Chris Dhlamini food while he was in the cells)
Detective Assistant Inspector Mukwaira – Harare Central Law and Order
Chief Superintendent Magwenzi - CID Fraud Squad (one of the main actors in Chris Dhamini’s torture and waterboarding at Goromonzi)
We believe there was a fifth man who visited the men as well, still unnamed, but when we do get his name we will publish it.
As you can see from the summary above, two of the men in particular have serious questions to answer with regards their treatment of Chris Dhlamini and possibly other abductees as well. Dhlamini went without proper food for 30 days. Torture, as we have said before, is illegal in Zimbabwe. These men acting on behalf of the State are guilty of crimes, but they are walking free and not being held accountable for what they have done to Zimbabwe citizens who are entitled to full protection under Zimbabwean law. Our emailer tells us that when Dhlamini challenged Muchada (on this most recent visit), pointing out that he was one of the people who denied him food, Muchada apparently responded “Oh no, things were bad then”.
We reported on Tuesday that after the five men left, they were replaced by eight prison guards from Chikurubi Maximum security prison (9.30pm). Today we learn that they were brought to the hospital by Chief Superintendent Tarwirei who claimed he was acting on “instructions from above”. When it was pointed out to him that the men had been granted bail and did not need guarding. Tarwirei asked for proof.
The following day, the harassment continued. On Tuesday at 3.30 pm our emailer tells us that a young man in scruffy clothing was seen wandering around outside their ward. When he was asked who he was, he identified himself as Sargeant Jasper Musademba from Harare Central Police Law and Order section. The on-duty Prison Officer, Gurajera, asked Musademba why Chris Dhlamini and Ghandi Mudzingwa should be have prison guards when they had been granted bail and Musademba replied: “it is political, just keep guarding them”.
The next shift of prison guards again asked Chris Dhlamini and Ghandi Mudzingwa for documents confirming their bail, but the two men did not have them. The activist who emailed us said that the Prison officer decided to take the guards out of the ward and sit outside the door. Apparently he did not want to intrude on their personal space when he did not have proof that in fact they should still be under guard. The following shift of prison guards did the same thing.
On Wednesday, at around 2.30pm, the prison guards were removed. But by 5pm Musademba and two Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operatives had positioned themselves outside the ward in their place. We are advised by the acivist who emailed us that a further six CIO operatives were in the car park of the hospital. Our emailer said “Fortunately lawyers and other visitors were present and remained in the ward for some hours” – implying that their presence possibly helped keep the men safe. At 6.20 pm Musademba and the CIO operatives were replaced by two policemen from Harare Central.
As the activist who emailed us wrote:
“The modus operandi of the CIO and Law and Order operatives is well known and sinister. The physical security of Chris Dhlamini and Gandi Mudzingwa is at great risk and their continued harrassment by these State Agents is an indication that their intention is to abduct and eliminate Chris Dhlamini and Ghandi Mudzingwa.”
It is very important that we all monitor this story closely, for the safety of the men. Please email the details to everyone you know, and if you know people in the media, please bring this story to their attention. High publicity will make it harder for the two men to ‘disappear’ with impunity. Memorise the names of the perpetrators – they must known in no uncertain terms that they will be held accountable if something happens to these two men.
We must remind you that around the same time all the abductees were first adbucted, seven other people were taken too. The names of those who have survived to tell the tale are becoming well known to many of us. We must remember the names of those who are still missing, possibly murdered. Someone is responsible for their absence and that person must be held accountable for what they have done.
Don’t forget the names of
Gwenzi Kahiya – abducted 29 October 2008 in Zvimba
Ephraim Mabeka – abducted 10 December 2008 in Gokwe
Lovemore Machokoto – abducted 10 December 2008 in Gokwe
Charles Muza – abducted 10 December 2008 in Gokwe
Edmore Vangirayi – abducted 10 December 2008 in Gokwe
Graham Matehwa – abducted 17 December in Makoni South
Peter Munyanyi – abducted 13 December 2008 in Gutu South
8 April 2009: Last three abductees in custody denied bail
An update on the political abductees: Three of the people who were abducted by the state last year are still in custody – Shadreck Andresson Manyere is the only one still being held in appalling conditions at Chikurubi Maximum Security. The other two, Chris Dhlamini and Gandhi Mudzingwa, are being held at Avenues Clinic in Harare. All three were denied bail earlier this week – SWRA has more details. Gandhi Mudzingwa filed another High Court application yesterday afternoon, still seeking his release from custody on bail (via The Zimbabwe Times).
Read our article titled ‘Zimbabwe’s prisons are death-traps‘. Provides a comprehensive insight into the many atrocities Zimbabwe’s prisoners are confronted with on a daily basis.
1 April 2009: Update on all abductees – Veritas
This update on the status of all those abducted in Zimbabwe, was circulated by Veritas. It is worth noting that three remain in custody – Gandhi Mudzingwa, Chris Dhlamini and Andrisson Manyere. Of those three, Andrisson Manyere, a photo journalist, is the only person still being held in appalling conditions at Chikurubi.
Update on Peace Workers
The State is persisting with criminal charges against Jestina Mukoko and Broderick Takawira of the Zimbabwe Peace Project. The third abducted peace worker, Pascal Gonzo, was released without charge in January.
Update on Prosecution of Political Abductees
The “recruiter group”
Jestina Mukoko and Broderick Takawira together with seven others, Fidelis Chiramba, Concillia Chinanzvavana, Emmanuel Chinanzvavana, Pieta Kaseke, Violet Mupfuranhehwe, Collen Mutemagau and Audrey Zimbudzana], are being charged with recruiting people for training in banditry, insurgency, sabotage or terrorism [Criminal Law Code, section 24]. The penalty if convicted is imprisonment, possibly for life. They last appeared in court on 20th March and were remanded until 9th April. On that date the State is expected to have fixed a definite date for their trial before the High Court in the session commencing in May – and to be ready to serve the documents indicting them for trial. The defence lawyers have warned that if no trial date is given on the 9th April they will apply for the charges to be dismissed.
The “bomber group”
Gandhi Mudzingwa, Chris Dhlamini and Andrisson Manyere, Chinoto Zulu, Zachariah Nkomo, Mapfumo Garutsa and Regis Mujeyi are facing charges of sabotage based on the bombing of police stations and railway lines in 2008 [Criminal Law Code, section 23]. The penalty is imprisonment, possibly for life. Their lawyer represented them at a magistrates court hearing on 24th March when they were further remanded until 30th April. On that date the State has said it will serve them with papers indicting them for trial before the High Court on 29th June. Of this group Andrisson Manyere, the photo journalist, is still being held in appalling conditions at Chikurubi maximum security prison, and Gandhi Mudzingwa and Chris Dhlamini are under guard in the Avenues Clinic, having been refused bail by the High Court. They have been granted leave to appeal to the Supreme Court against the refusal of bail, but their lawyer has been unable to get a date for the hearing. Under Zimbabwe law, in principle, all appeals for bail applications are deemed urgent. These three have been detained by the State since December and been trying to get bail since the middle of February. The other four in this group are on bail.
No Trace of the Other “Disappeared”
This week the MDC-T issued a statement expressing its continuing concern over the fate of the seven other abductees who disappeared on various dates in October and December 2008 and have still not been accounted for by the police or State security. The persons named are Gwenzi Kahiya – abducted 29 October 2008 in Zvimba, Ephraim Mabeka – abducted 10 December 2008 in Gokwe, Lovemore Machokoto – abducted 10 December 2008 in Gokwe, Charles Muza – abducted 10 December 2008 in Gokwe, Edmore Vangirayi – abducted 10 December 2008 in Gokwe, Graham Matehwa – abducted 17 December in Makoni South, Peter Munyanyi – abducted 13 December 2008 in Gutu South.
Torture of “State Witnesses”
Lloyd Tarumbwa, Fani Tembo and Terry MusonaIt has now emerged that the three abductees who were held by in “protective custody” as State witnesses are alleging that they were tortured while held. Lloyd Tarumbwa, Fani Tembo and Terry Musona were part of the group kidnapped from their homes in Banket, Mashonaland West province at the end of October. They say they were severely tortured and subjected to inhumane treatment by State security agents. They were also denied food and medical treatment and their right to access to lawyers, and they were not taken to court in the four months they were incarcerated. Tarumbwa said: “In fact when we told the persecutors that we wanted access to a lawyer or to be brought before the courts, we were severely beaten, threatened with death and denied food for up to two days.” They were eventually released following a High Court order in early March.
Roy Bennett
On 18th March Roy Bennett appeared at Mutare Magistrates Court for routine remand and was remanded out of custody [he is on bail] until 21st April. As soon as the court hearing was over, he rushed to Harare to be sworn in as a Senator that afternoon. He has not yet been sworn in as Deputy Minister of Agriculture – reportedly because President Mugabe has refused to complete the appointment of a Deputy Minister who is facing serious criminal charges.
Let’s send a clear message that these sort of horrific activities carried out by the Zanu PF Junta have to be stopped. Let’s join forces and fight for all the people who have risked so much to fight for us and for a peaceful democratic future for Zimbabwe.
We are calling on everyone, asking them to demand that the Zanu PF regime is held to account by SADCÂ and AU leaders for the missing people; we demand the safe return of all the abducted people immediately.
If you have information on any of the missing people listed on this
page – please call these numbers
+263 11 619 749
+263 11 635 755
+263 11 635 448
+263 11 619 746/7/8
8 January 2008: Amnesty International calls for immediate and unconditional release of Mukoko and other activists – read more
RECOMMENDED ACTION from Amnesty International (download PDF version of appeal here):
Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English or your own language:
- expressing grave concern over the abduction or arrest of Jestina Mukoko, the director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project, who was forcibly taken from her home by people believed to be state security agents on 3 December 2008;
- calling on the Zimbabwean authorities to not to ill treat her.
- calling on the Zimbabwean authorities to allow Jestina Mukoko access to her lawyer, family as well as food, water, warm clothes and medication;
- stating that Amnesty International considers that Jestina Mukoko is solely detained for expressing her views, without advocating violence, and considers her a prisoner of conscience. Amnesty International therefore calls for her immediate and unconditional release;
- calling on the Zimbabwean authorities to immediately end its practice of enforced disappearances and follow international standards on arrest and detention for persons under criminal investigation;
- expressing concern about continued harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders and political activists by the Zimbabwean security forces;
- calling on the Zimbabwean authorities to immediately investigate all those responsible for the enforced disappearances, including those who sanctioned it and bring them to account.
APPEALS TO: (It may be difficult to get through to Zimbabwe by fax so please keep trying, alternatively send letters)
President Robert G. Mugabe
Office of the President
Munhumutapa Building
Samora Machel Avenue
Box 7700 Causeway
Harare,
Zimbabwe
Fax: + 263 4 734644
Salutation: Dear President
Commissioner General of Police Augustine Chihuri
Zimbabwe Republic Police General Head Quarters
PO Box 8807
Causeway
Harare
Zimbabwe
Fax: + 263 4 253 212
Salutation: Dear Commissioner
Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces :
General Constantine Chiwenga
Ministry of Defence
H/Q Defence House cnr Kwame Nkhuruma
3rd Street
Private Bag 7713
Causeway, Harare
Zimbabwe
Fax: + 263 4 796762
Salutation: Dear General
Attorney General :
Justice Bharat Patel
Office of the Attorney General
Private Bag 7714
Causeway
Harare
Zimbabwe
Fax: + 263 4 777 049
Salutation: Dear Attorney General
COPIES TO:
Zimbabwe Peace Project
PO Box BE 427
Belvedere
Harare
Zimbabwe
Fax: +263 4 778311
Ambassade de la République du Zimbabwe :
Square Joséphine Charlotte 11,
1200 Bruxelles
Fax : 02.762.96.05
Fax : 02.775.65.10
Email : zimbrussels@skynet.be [1]
Further actions
1. Email SADC and the AU and point out to them that these abductions violate Article XVIII of the Interparty Political Agreement which is meant to ensure the security of persons and prevention of violence. Visit our Action Contact Database and click on our current action initiative – ‘Demanding the release of Jestina Mukoko and all Zimbabwe’s abductees’ – to gather the contact details you need.
2. Write appeal letters and email them to savejestinamukoko@yahoo.com. These appeal letters will be sent to the Government and members of the local, regional, and international comunity.
3. Click ‘Share This’ on our Jestina Mukoko widget, then copy and paste the code to embed the widget on your blog, on your website, and on social networking sites like Facebook, Bebo and Blogger. Ask other websites to carry the widget too. Click the email link on the widget that appears when you click ’share this’ – and email everyone you know; ask them to get involved. Then be sure to watch the widget for updates, and be ready to respond.
4. If you have a Facebook account, help raise awareness by donating your profile status to this cause. Change your status to read “(Your name) is donating his/her status to demand the safe release of all the people abducted in Zimbabwe by Mugabe’s regime”. Your friends and family will probably ask you why you are doing this. TELL THEM, then ask them to do the same. Keep your status on message until we get a clear response from SADC leaders. If you need to switch your status to something personal, do so, but make sure you switch it back to this message as soon as you can.
5. After changing your profile status, join the Facebook group called “I donated my profile status to free Jestina Mukoko”. The more people who join this group and show that they are taking a stand by donating their status, the more the media will sit up and take notice of how angry we all are. If our voices grow louder and louder, maybe SADC leaders will finally wake up and stand loudly in defence of those who who should be defended, rather than those perpetuating the terror!
As Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project, Jestina is viewed as the most high-profile person to be abducted by the State to date. Her role as a human rights activist, and her work in documenting the range of human rights violations and atrocities by the Zanu PF regime, made her a threat to a despotic regime intent on holding onto power at all costs.
Her work was extremely valuable, said a human rights activist who asked not to be named. “Thanks to the Peace Project, there is now a detailed record of thousands of incidents of murder, assault, torture, arson and so on, and who the perpetrators are.”
“They had just shifted from cataloguing violence, to abuse of food aid by the government, forcing people to support Mugabe or starve to death,” said a human rights lawyer. “It was going to be extremely embarrassing. It’s clear the CIO (Central Intelligence Organisation, Mr Mugabe’s secret police) want to stop it.”
As well as Jestina, the following people were abducted.
They are:
1. Concillia Chinanzvavana, the MDC Mashonaland West provincial Chairperson of the Women’s Assembly, a former parliamentary candidate for Zvimba South and a member of the MDC National Council.
2. Her husband, Emmanuel Chinanzvana, who is a councillor for Ward 25 in Zvimba South.
3. Fidelis Chiramba, Zvimba South district chairperson, who stood as an MDC senatorial candidate for Zvimba in the March 29 elections.
4. Ernest Mudimu, MDC parliamentary candidate for Zvimba North in the March 29 elections.
5. Fanwell Tembo, MDC Zvimba South youth organiser.
6. Terry Musona, MDC deputy provincial secretary.
7. Lloyd Tarumbwa, MDC activist.
8. Violet Mupfuranhehwe, wife to MDC Zvimba South youth chairperson – Collen Mutemagawo.
9. Collen Mutemagawo, MDC Zvimba South youth chairperson.
10. A two year-old child belonging to Mupfuranhehwe and Mutemagawo.
11. Pieat Kaseke, MDC activist.
12. Gwenzi Kahiya, MDC activist.
13. Tawanda Bvumo, MDC activist from Chitungwiza.
14. Agrippa Kakonda, MDC activist.
15. Larry Gaka, MDC activist.
16. Chris Dlamini, MDC activist
17. a person known as Baba vaSarudzayi
18. Jestina Mukoko
19. Zacharia Nkomo, brother of Harrison Nkomo, one of the lawyers working on Jestina’s case
20. Broderick Takawira, Zimbabwe Peace Project Provincial Coordinator
21. Pascal Gonzo, Zimbabwe Peace Project driver
22. Gandhi Mudzingwa, former personal assistant to MDC President, and Prime Minister designate, Morgan Tsvangirai
23. Andrisson (Shadreck) Manyere, freelance accredited journalist
24. Graham Matehwa, MDC youth chairperson for Ward 26, Makoni South. Abducted 17 Dec. Two of the abductors identified as Isaac Dangirwa and Lucky Chingara.
25. Bothwell Pasipamire MDC youth Kadoma Central constituency, Mashonaland West. Abducted weekend of 13 Dec.
26. Peter Munyanyi MDC, Gutu North ward 8, abducted Uchinda Business Centre, week of 15 Dec, by armed soldiers led by a colonel.
Enough!
December 6th, 2008 23:49
Zimbabwe is reported to have tried, convicted and executed 16 soldiers who were part of the group that ran amok, beating up bank staff and smashing windows in the city centre on Monday.
The Zimbabwe Mail reported that self-imposed President , Robert Mugabe, had ordered the execution of 16 rioting soldiers and the sentence was carried out by members of the Presidential Guard death squads at their camp in Dzivarasekwa.
Three others were reported to have died during torture, probably to extract “confessions†which would later be used to pick up any members of the force suspected on being disloyal to Mugabe.
The killing would also have been calculated to instil fear in the workers and civic activists who are planning to demonstrate in the capital this morning – for the same cause that the soldiers died for.
The soldiers had waited in queues all day to withdraw their money from a bank in what has become normal for poor people in Zimbabwe – an institutionalisation of the gross incompetence of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor, Gideon Gono, who has just been rewarded with another term of office.
The Mail reported that a fast track Court Marshal at Army Head Quarters, KG6 Barracks, was presided over by retired High Court Judge, Major General George Chiweshe, sitting with three assessors – two Majors and a Captain.
Chiweshe is the same man who presided over the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission which held the results of the Presidential election in March for five weeks before announcing a result that left Morgan Tsvangirai less than one percentage point below the 50+ required to avoid a run-off with Mugabe.
He is the legal cutting edge of what observers say is military junta presided over by a civilian President. Prior to his appointment to the High Court bench he was the Director of Army Legal Services (DLS).
Chiweshe and his assessors passed death sentences on the 16 soldiers and the sentence was signed by Robert Mugabe just before midnight to allow the executions to be carried out around 4 am in the presence of a military doctor.
The 16 soldiers executed on Tuesday morning are believed to have been arrested during the skirmishes with police in the last few days.
Soldiers’ Execution Overshadows Demo
Written by Makusha Mugabe
Wednesday, 03 December 2008
December 7th, 2008 04:06
thsi has to be the last starw is the world really this blind
December 7th, 2008 04:07
ithink i am repaeting myself-you need to collect your support from the Australian diaspora and throw out the zanupf illegals in Australia
December 7th, 2008 06:14
I’ve sent a message to all email addresses in action database for Jestina, but many of them bounce back. Any idea why, what I’m doing wrong or is my email address taken as spam?
December 7th, 2008 13:22
@Faraway – That’s a constant problem. Frankly, I think its a symptom of governments that don’t want to be contacted or held accountable by the public. Can you let us know which addresses came back so we can all try and find alternatives?
December 7th, 2008 22:07
I read with a heavy heart the goings on in Zimbabwe. But with all due respect do you really beleive that the toothless organisation SADC really has the ” balls” to stand up to the murderous arsehole mugabe? Not on their performance in Johannesburg a while back..
Mugabe has given us the way forward – he said something along these lines – Zimbabwean problems shouls be solve by Zimbabweans.
[edit]
December 8th, 2008 01:48
The truth is that we have tried all peaceable means to negotiate with Zanu PF. They think that we are all afraid of their bullying tactics, fact is that they now need to sleep with one eye open ’cause pay-back is coming soon! We are tired of greedy, incompetent, tyrannic, miserable, Godless, senile, uninspired, thieving and murderous robots who have become a bad excuse for African-styled politics. Who will you rule with pride when all the people are so impoverished and diseased, standing next to other World leaders to tell them you have a brain. What folly!
December 8th, 2008 10:58
America and Britain don’t care much about what is happening in Zimbabwe. They invaded Iraq and killed Saddam and you know why, because there is oil in Iraq. What has Zimbabwe to offer – nothing. If Zimbabwe still had all those white people, UK and the US would have taken action against Robert a long time ago. The blacks will be left to die like in Rwanda, Somalia, etc. I wish I could raise enough money to get a suicide bomber and kill Robert Mugabe, that’s how I feel right now. This is beyond depressing and no word in the dictionary can describe the cruelty of Robert and his army generals, police chief and all those surrounding him. How does his wife feel seeing all these people dying. Hospitals closed, no food, no drinking water, no medicine, no nothing, this is sad. Robert need to be taken out. Someone need to use a silencer on this SOB.
December 8th, 2008 12:29
mugabe and his security agents must release all opposition political activist now now.lets remove him violent like yesterday .
December 8th, 2008 14:43
If Zimbabwe had oil then this would not have come to such a situation. The world is really happy see people of Zimbabwe suffer under a dictator. Some even dine and support him especially SADC because ZANU PF is a liberation party. To an ordinary Zimbabwean they are helping to kill SADC can safely be to blame for the deaths in Zimbabwe because they support a doctator
December 8th, 2008 19:14
godblees Jestina Mukoko and others
December 9th, 2008 10:35
This is a very sad era which our once great nation is going through. This regime has held its own people hostage for too long. Now the suffering has come to an unbearable extent and i pray that these self proclaimed leaders will see that they are destroying everyone’s life and will resign from their posts peacefully so that we can rebuild the nation.
December 9th, 2008 16:16
These zanu pf lices really want to keep sucking blood from the already suffering pple of a much beloved nation.I wonder why SADC and Mbeki mean when they support this old geriatric despot who is bend on using violence and abductions as the only means.We have COMPLETELY lost faith in SADC.How on earth can they side with an evil dictator?Thats why the whole of Africa is less developed coz there is no democracy.This is a very sad time esp for Jestina who among others have been the champion of human rights and all our prayers are with her for her safe return.But one thing for sure is that God is always watching and never slumbers.
December 9th, 2008 19:56
Fear not for the time is near,much time has passed and many feared that robert mugabes and his cronies crimes would go unpunished,this will not be so as their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes forth to greet them,mugabes end will be much the same as suddams was!! lets just hope that the feeble and paranoid madmans health does not fail him as i believe it will before final sentencing at the international crime courts,this is robert mugabes greatest fear but rest assured it is his destiny.his premature death under these circumstances will deprive many the great pleasure of seeing justice being served which is now inevitable!!
carpe diem !!!!!
December 10th, 2008 15:02
Jestina must be freed. The Zimbabwe’s illegitimate government continues to make influential people dissapear. 15 armed men pounce on a defenceless woman just because she has a voice and they want to eliminate all the people that have a voice. May God punish Mugabe forever. In an article I wrote a while ago, I talked about Mugabe cheating his way through Nkomo. Again He wants to cheat his way through MDC and all the regional leaders. I would like to see sanity come back to Africa. Jestina is to be returned to her people. If Mugabe upholds the law then he must respect the courts and also the voices of the people I call upon all people to join in condemnation of Mugabe and the illigitimate regime. Zimbabwe needs to be freed. Zimbabweans alone have failed to free themselves. Hear our cry all you people.
December 10th, 2008 21:24
Lets stop the suffering of all Zimbabweans
Ladies and gentlemen especially those in overseas countries, l feel its high time we chipped in to save the people dying in zimbabwe especially the children. Cant we sort of like organise some kind of funding to send home to help those who are dying of starvation and diseases. I think we have watched and seen enough now its time to act. I miss home so much but all my relatives are dead. Lets try to save those who are still alive. Together we can make it!!!!!!
December 10th, 2008 21:29
enough is enough
December 10th, 2008 21:38
To my fellow zimbabweans in diaspora, i think its time for us to act and stop the killing and dying of innocent zimbabweans. Please lts time get to get together and donate a pound or one US dollar each and save the children dying in zimbabwe. They are our future if we let everyone die then there will be no home to go to. I sit by the TV everyday hoping to hear that things are different in my beloved country but it appears this will never happen. I have no relatives left because of that “geriatric hooligan” who goes by the name robert mugabe.
December 11th, 2008 08:20
zvaramba izvi zimbabweans we have no friends. South africa i my wish is now for the world cup kuti ibveikoko. they have love for mugabe. any wat goes around comes around. We will fight to survive one day things will be good for us.
December 11th, 2008 09:12
This is so painful how can one person have such powers to just take life and not be questioned .This has to stop ,stop ,stop
December 11th, 2008 15:14
Regarding bounced emails using action contact database for Justine
It appears these are the common addresses that bounce each time I send.
plannoff@dec.planning.gov.ls
MadumaneT@foreign.gov.za
Chairperson@africa-union.org
DCP@africa-union.org
AnthonyO@africa-union.org
dgender@africa-union.org
KonareAO@africa-union.org
fmaonera@mweb.co.zw
ndishishi@mti.gov.na
johanna@mti.gov.na
wmandlebe@gov.bw
amadikwe@gov.bw
duartej@foreign.gov.za
bmorias@minplan.gov.ao
fernandes@consadc.co.mz
mrakhoba@finance.gov.ls
December 12th, 2008 05:07
A general that shoots his soldiers to gain their respect??!!What folly…
For someone who has stolen so much, hated by most…what legacy are you leaving for your wife and your very young kids to inherit.
You have trully lost the plot Bob. May God take his full vengeance on the misery you have caused.Amen
@louis -
December 14th, 2008 15:27
UK HELP people of ZImbabwe The more you talk the more people of zimbabwe are killed by zanu pf only action will help
December 22nd, 2008 20:54
Zimbabwe, an African Solution to an African Problem!
Rigged elections since 2000 !
Blatant racism, violence, torture, killings, kidnapping of black men, women and children, destruction and burning of houses, schools, Medical facilities under the cover of returning white owned productive farms and farmland to the poor landless Blacks!
In order to qualify as owner of one or more farms one has to be:
… a good friend and buddy of Bob . Mugabe!
… a good friend and buddy of Grace Mugabe!
… a high Government official!
… a unwavering supporter of Mugabe ZANU-PF!
… a record of lying, cheating, stealing!
… a cruel and primitive character
… hate the West and everybody in it
… etc. etc.
Their names are to be found in The Herald and other Government mouth pieces!
The new “poor black” owners of the biggest farms show R. Mugabe’s deep concern and love for the poor, landless citizens of HIS Zimbabwe!
December 22nd, 2008 20:58
With the situation deteriorating and abductions increasing at this rate, my question is, who will protect Zimbabweans from this onslaught by Zanu PF ? If SADC, UK, US,EU cant help,shall we just sit back and cry ? In the first place, do we really need this SADC ? What have they done in the region to deserve recognition as a representative of southern african people ? If zimbabweans dont stand up to defend themselves against this genocide, then there will be noone left to tell the story. How will we justify this passive action to our children when they start asking questions about how the country became what it will have been while we watched helplessly ? If yesterday, zimbabweans stood up for injustices by Ian Smith and fought his regime, why cant they also stand up against this revolution that is killing more of its own than the colonialists ? When will it ever sink in our heads that Sadc ARE NOT HERE TO PROTECT US. THEY ARE JEALOUS OF OUR WEALTH AND ECONOMIC GROWTH ONCE WE RETURN THE COUNTRY TO DEMOCRACY. If we dont fight for our rights, zimbabweans, we will all die on our knees. Be warned.
December 23rd, 2008 00:39
We, the people of Zimbabwe- we need to rise up and remove this man from power. We need to purge this evil from this land by any means necessary! Nehanda & Kaguvi have cried enough is enough, let’s do what is necessary.
December 23rd, 2008 19:03
the only solution to this lies with the zimbabwean pple especially those abroad cz history will tell that most revolutions start from the outside of the country…4 those abroad stop fattening youselves n drinkin stella..gather unite and fight a common enemy…im ready to join that group..
December 23rd, 2008 21:17
In my ealier comment #26 I wasn’t advocating violence, but massive peaceful protests, unwavering demands no matter what the soldiers and police do. Protests in every corner of Zimbabwe; Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Chinhoyi, Mutare, Masvingo, Karoi. Kariba, Beitbridge, Plumtree, Victoria Fall, Rusape and all other places including rural groth points. How may people can the govt kill? Please Zimbabweans we need more of us to be courageous and fight for what is rightfully ours and for the future of our children! Lets take a page from some of the world’s citizens, eg Thailand, Greece and take to the streets 24/7. Let’s get organized Sokwanele!
December 24th, 2008 15:14
Please Zimbabweans let us not be so hard-hearted. Why do we make other people suffer. We should learn to love the truth and engage in activeties that develop our country. May the Lord just brighten our thoughts and make us stick to his commands.
December 24th, 2008 22:58
Some striking coal miners once dumped a truck load of coal right in front of John Major’s 10 Downing street.
robert calls zimbabwe his, remember his ‘My Zimbabwe, my government’ slures not ‘our’ Zimbabwe, for the decades he’s been in power’
Seems he’s really lived up to treating this nation like his mdidi,horo, mkosho. This time he’s self neglecting, something like intentionally forgetting to wipe his behind because it’s his.
What a travesty.
To think that he was considered a respectable statesman. Leaves us all wondering to what exteremes some spoilt politicians can go.
I am Zimbabwean but definitely not his.
There must be a way to sway the sewers towards his so called state house.
December 28th, 2008 15:32
I am outraged! The government of Zimbabwe is EVIL! I’m contacting President Bush, President-Elect Obama, and MANY others in WORLD government about this!
December 31st, 2008 11:23
Is it our fault.
Is it our fault that our country is in the state that it is in. Is it because we were not so concerned about politics until it was too late. Is it because we turned a blind eye to the sins of our leaders in the 80’s. Perhaps it is because we did not VOTE. Voter turnout was below 50% in most areas on March 29. Furthermore, our vote was split. Iam one of those that voted for Simba Makoni. I felt that Tsvangirai was not the leader we needed, especially those of us from Matebeleland. It is a fact that there was a regional devide in the MDC prior to March 29. The failure of the two MDC factions to resolve their differences is the cause of the mayhem. Had the MDC been united it would have had enough votes to seal the deal the first time round.
Let us keep that in mind.
January 2nd, 2009 15:26
I am trying to picture a situation where mugabe had no opposition right from the start.
Would the farms be still there, the Matebele been wiped out, the capital a second Dubai?
Mugabe’s henchmen would all be Emirs and the rest of the world would be bowing to him.
But I am a bit puzzled as to what the man really stands for.
He is neither an African idealist nor is he a socialist. He once dressed in the robes of a maoist, all for populist political gain.
I strongly believe now as I did pre independence that the man had no national nor regional interests at heart.
What motivates the man are his chameleon like tendencies as he reacts to any threat to his dictatorial rule.
Fortunately he can’t stop the stench of his administration as the sewers for ever burst.
A typical image of a failed state.
January 10th, 2009 22:51
Pls do not forget that Mukoko is one of 26 other people illegally held by the regime.
Please don’t let your prayers only focus on her.
I urge all Zimbabwean people to go back to their home country, and engage MASS 24/7 protests against Mugabe. There is power in huge numbers. [edit]
The time is now
January 16th, 2009 23:37
I know that there is a great deal of suffering going on in Zimbabwe, fraud. curruption and people going missing.
PLease i make a great appeal when I say, Do not forget to prayer about this situation in Zimbabwe.
Pray for Zimbabwe, regardless of your religion.
Every little bit helps
January 23rd, 2009 14:28
Its so sad hearing this saddest news. But why Africa? why all the cruelty? look the way poverty is striking us. are we ignorant or cursed? damn I hate this. what is SADC doing about this situation? is Mugabe such a lion? please Africa let us fight for good governance.Am from Malawi and the story about the abducted politicians and human rights activist touched my heart. but a Africa why? look at Europe the way they are united, is being black a curse? come on I need an answer, Iam tired in the way Africa is ruined.Hope Kasakula from Malawi, Blantyre.
January 27th, 2009 18:09
Nicole in comment 8 asked how does he wife feel about the terrible situation – well……….It was recently reported in a South African newspaper that his wife had attacked a reporter in Hong Kong for taking photos of her, whilst she was on a shopping trip with 94 000 USD!!! Yes – 94 thousand dollars (USA)!!!
That’s how much she cares about the people and the state of the country!
January 28th, 2009 15:54
I am disgusted with SADC the AU too!! They are dumb useless!!!!
February 16th, 2009 06:13
Grace Mugabe should know that wherever she goes, the spirit of the suffering Zimbabweans will haunt her. Besides that, she will have no friends since all those who seem close to her are basically cheating her. Nobody loves her even Robert himself since she is a money monger and a known prosititute.
February 16th, 2009 12:00
IS THE WORLD BLIND. PLEASE HELP US. WE HAVE SUFFERED LIKE THIS SINCE 1980. WE ARE ANOTHER RWANDA BUT THE WORLD IS AFRAID OF MUGABE. AFRICA HAS LET US DOWN 100%.
BUT IN GOD WE TRUST. ONE DAY
February 16th, 2009 20:47
Global action is planned to protest and demand the immediate release of Roy Bennett of Zimbabwe. Please look up Karen Clegg and join the Free Roy Group today so that you can be a part of freeing a great man – a man known to the people of Zimbabwe as ‘Pachedu’ (meaning one with us) – and known to the illegitimate regime of Mugabe as an Enemy of the State.
Contact info@africacalling.com for an invitation to the Free Roy group if you have difficulty finding us.
Thanking you.
February 17th, 2009 13:58
Whats hapening to MrRoy Bennet now , being arrested and facing dubious and unfound charges is clear racism by Robert Mugabe and his fellow police chief. When is Zanu PF ever going to have the intrests of the people at heart? After everyone was almost anticipating change with the so called unity government then Mugabe pulls one of his detention tricks again. We all hope MrRoy Bennet will be released unharmed.
February 22nd, 2009 14:36
Not surprised that they are trying to leverage for total immunity for all crimes and murders committed since 1980. Roy benet is to be admired for standing by his principle of no horse trading for his freedom. That takes outstanding courage.
February 22nd, 2009 14:40
February 22nd, 2009 14:54
Good luck! They do not care about Africa!
February 24th, 2009 19:51
i do agree with you.Its time we Zimbabweans needs to act and do something to serve our country and all the innocent people who are suffering.Our country is so beautiful and we both miss home “”"”"”"”" we must save our Zim,they say home is the best.GUYS
March 5th, 2009 16:44
ROY BENNETT and OTHERS WILL BE FREED GODBLESS ZIMBABWE AND ITS PEOPLE.
March 8th, 2009 06:12
that will never happen and we all know it!!!
March 8th, 2009 23:06
I read all 48 comments, and all I can say is that you are all incurable romantics! Britain, the US and all others seek the riches of our country,and couldn’t care a less about the people.
As far as Mugabe and his cronies are concerned, never fear! Albeit after much bloodshed, they will grab the rest of the country’s riches, and flee to some South American country.
Then we can all go home.
March 8th, 2009 23:31
@Zimbo in UK –
Don’t be silly! They orchistrated the whole setup! When Mugabe leaves, and he will very soon, they will all rush in to “rebuild Zimbabwe”. That’s what they call the financial and political benefits they will gain.
March 23rd, 2009 04:58
How do I help? Do I contact government here? I do know that Bush did honestly care about Africa. He gave more money than any other leader in the world. I don’t think many here realize that. Do people donate…where… where would funds be used most effectively? I feel so badly for these people.
Don’t know how to help. God bless you.
Dawn Greene
@Zimbo in UK -
April 9th, 2009 13:20
Is it not time to try something different, we have been barking up one tree and then another the same way, I don’t see change, is there none smart enough to come out with a solution, I am not, but surely there is someone out there… is it you?, Maybe we need something better than a pertion, who are we demanding ears from, Who will come and help the UN? Lets stop kidding ourselves, we are on our on on this one and God is watching, we need to do the right thing and we all know what the right thing is, it’s not the same with everyone, My pink is blue in Botswana, Don’t allow the mouthy people to turn you against your brother and don’t tolerate more than you should, don’t be used you are better than that.
April 14th, 2009 20:53
hi l´m a 20 year old boy. broudly Zimbabwean.l just want to say please it.s by time let,s take action.this.man is not a God.How many people have to die.
April 26th, 2009 00:21
I am British and I lived in Zimbabwe for only one year until 1999 but that year has stayed with me forever. My time in Zimbabwe inspired me and I now study and volunteer for human rights yet I still feel powerless and scared for those I left behind and cannot contact in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is the most beautiful country and you are the most beautiful people. Do not look to the international community to solve this situation! YOU are strong and powerful and you can bring change!
Make the country what you want. Do not be dictated to by Mugabe or multi-national corporations!
Keep fighting!!!
May 6th, 2009 02:04
SADC has failed us, In fact I can say they have made it worse for Zimbabwe. One organisation has failed to stand up to an old man and his corrupt ways of dealing.
May 6th, 2009 14:13
@Musavegana Mhuri – when someone fails you , it is because you give them that opportunity to fail you. I am not saying you are wrong. I think the time is now for the Zimbabweans outside the country to start THINKING in terms of solutions, we have depended on other people to knock sense on our leaders at the same time we have been too silent for our own good. Our first step should be to concerntrate on what we can do right not what others do wrong.
WE are Zimbabweans we know how to love, we know that being hospitable is a part of us. We can stop pointing fingers and start acting for a better Zimbabwe.
May 6th, 2009 14:26
@Bex – I find that your words are so full of thought and I agree with what you say, we as Zimbabweans should do the right thing, FIGHT for whats ours.
I emphasize on fight because the fighting we need is not spilling blood but it is also in realising the goodness off our own land and try to get it functioning by focusing on the positive.
We as Zimbabweans waited as the things changed for the worse, I bet some of us even laughed as the politicians covered one screw up with another, we found a solution to the country as leaving it, now we are scattered everywhere, the Zimbabweans who can afford internet and are sending hate messagaes and no solutions are all outside the country, we have come to be artists to survive we want to draw pity to ourselves as the Zimbabweans who can not go back to their country. The people who really deserve pity can not afford internet.
we will fix the country and you can come visit again.
May 12th, 2009 19:15
i am actually fed up of what this Current government is doing, when will we Zimbabweans ever be free and live in a democratic country. Why should we always be scared and driven out of our country by this evil robert mugabe. enough is enough, when will this man get it that he has caused all this suffering to humanity. I am fed up of all this hatred and torture that our fellow brothers and sisters are enduring. Children of tomorrow have no bright future, the country is in shambles, and honestly let there be a rule of law for a change. I pray for everyone who is suffering under the ruthless regime of robert mugabe.Jestina and everyone else who is suffering, we are praying for you and continue to do the good work that you are doing. We shall not give up until we achieve our freedom!!!
May 14th, 2009 14:58
“Zimbabwe’s Secret Police have
arrested top human rights lawyer Alec
Muchadehama, on as yet unspecified allegations, colleagues said.
Muchadehama was apprehended by three officers of the notorious “law and order” section of the police at the Harare magistrates’ court while processing release orders for three high-profile political prisoners granted bail on Wednesday.
The arrest is the latest in a series of arrests of court officials, lawyers, journalists and members of parliament (MPs) of the former opposition Movement for Democratic Change, now in coalition with Mugabe’s former ruling Zanu-PF party…”
This report was found on News 24. Anyone know about anything this?
May 22nd, 2009 19:55
for a new zimbabwe PARADZAI ZIMONDI must go.Most prison officers if not all should be fired because they themselves have witnessed this unlawful, undemocratic arrest and abduction of fellow zimbabweans.The history of Paradzai zimondi speaks for itself , clearly the man is a retired general and not a good commissioner of prisons.
May 22nd, 2009 20:07
i call the abductions a breach of agreements signed between the two parties in September, when MDC and ZANU-PF agreed in principle to share power. Zanu-PF has no respect for the documents that it signs.
firstly, there is no honestly,trust and faith between these two parties.Zanu Pf are aware of this and they can never honour the agreement therefore i think the agreement isvoid
May 23rd, 2009 17:17
in response to the above article, listed below are three major concerns :
.Unemployment has quadrupled since independence
.widespread corruption in government and the ruling party
.ZANU-PF’s increasing partisan domination of state and civil society
my method of solution would start with freedom and power to determine the destiny of our zimbabwe and to do this there has to be an end to the robbery by zanu pf.in addition to this an immediate end to police brutality and an immediate end to all wars of aggression.
June 18th, 2009 13:46
Hi Sokwanele
This is just a wild idea. I’ve been scanning the news to see if Irene Kahn from Amnesty International has any specific intentions of addressing the Prisons situation while she’s in Zim. So far I can’t find any.
Is it perhaps possible that you could compose a letter to her and ask her to specifically address the plight of the prisoners, and post it here? Maybe we could we can get a bulk email to her or something before she leaves….
http://en.afrik.com/article15814.html
Just an idea….