
While addressing Zanu PF supporters in Mwenezi on Saturday
last week, Mnangagwa blamed the opposition for the violent demonstrations that
resulted in the death of over a dozen people and ominously warned that he would
deploy the army to crush any dissent.
“They (the MDC) are planning violence but we would like to
say to everyone in the country that if you are against peace, be part of them
those who want peace, stay at home, so that we deal with those that want
violence. We will deal with them. If you are invited to the demonstrations
don’t join them,” said Mnangagwa.
Last month, disgruntled workers downed tools in protest
over fuel price hikes and the ever-increasing cost of living that has rendered
many people’s salaries worthless.
To quell the protests, Mnangagwa dispatched the military in
a clampdown that was condemned by the world due to its heavy-handedness as well
as reports of rape and torture of unarmed civilians.
In a chilling response to Mnangagwa’s warning, Chamisa said
the sentiments proved that the ruling party leader is the one causing violence.
“If anyone ever doubted the source of the orgy of violence
against Zimbabweans, this video (in which Mnangagwa is warning opposition) is
your answer. How can a party leader in a country take such sadistic pleasure in
the beating up of his fellow countrymen that he is supposed to be protecting?
Is this the new dispensation?”
He added that the country needs urgent reforms to end
violence.
“Zimbabwe needs urgent reforms. We must build this great country,
unite the nation, grow the economy and prosper all through a political solution
that unleashes citizens’ creative energies for prosperity. Stand ready to usher
the nation into virtual cycles of happiness, glitter and glory.
“ED shocks me all the time. He forgets that life belongs to
the Maker and he was also made and therefore he is not the Maker. I pray for
him to realise that Jesus is coming soon and we shall all answer for our acts,
deeds and words on this soon to come day. Jesus is Lord!”
Other political observers said Mnangagwa does not know how
to differentiate between legal and illegal protests.
“Criminalising dissent! ED demonstrates inability to
distinguish between legal and illegal protest. Perhaps fitting in a country
where the law is so elastic. We must condemn violent protest, but most protests
in Zim were not violent,” Piers Pigou, senior consultant at the International
Crisis Group said.
The Thokozani Khupe-led MDC vice president Obert Gutu said
Zimbabwe is still suffering ugly scars from the ravages of colonial
exploitation as well as the emotional experiences of the armed liberation
struggle and since independence, the country has never experienced peace.
“Our leaders, or is it rulers, have always emphasised the
power of might over right. We are, indeed, a very angry and tormented nation.
Brother is rising up against brother, sister against sister, uncle against aunt
and so on and so forth. We need genuine and holistic national healing.
“As politicians, we should desist from using the
inflammatory language of violence and intolerance in both our private and
public spaces. Violence is like a Frankenstein monster, it devours both the
victim and the perpetrator.”
Gutu said Mnangagwa must stop using the soldiers to quell
protests.
“The army belongs to the barracks; it’s as simple as that.
They should only be deployed in exceptional circumstances to defend and uphold
our territorial integrity as well as to maintain and protect national security.
“Protests should always be peaceful as is envisaged in
Section 59 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and in similar measure; the
government should resist the temptation to use disproportionate force to quell
civil disobedience. Put simply, the government shouldn’t use a sledge hammer to
kill a fly.”
Former Information minister Jonathan Moyo said the comments
were divisive.
“Many who do not understand chiShona have asked for an
English translation of this video clip with utterly shocking, emotive and divisive
remarks made by Mnangagwa in Mwenezi, Masvingo, yesterday.”
Former Primary and Secondary Education minister David
Coltart said Mnangagwa is out of order.
“Mnangagwa’s comments on Saturday threatening doctors and
lawyers who have provided assistance to victims of #Crimesagainsthumanity
committed by Zimbabwean State agents mark a new low in #Zimbabwe. When human
rights defenders are attacked like this the world needs to act.” Daily News
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