Although he later deleted the post after a backlash from
netizens who felt that his post was insensitive, Mr Biti did not apologise.
In a response to a tweet by Prof Lovemore Madhuku that he
did not agree with, Mr Biti said: “Lovemore you are very wrong. The golden rule
of statutory law is the ordinary natural meaning of words. Your contextual
approach within the context of this debate is pure witchcraft. But then again
you come from Chipinge.”
This prompted United Kingdom-based journalist Chofamba
Sithole to flag Mr Biti on his stereotypical views of people hailing from
Chipinge.
“Cde Biti you owe us an unreserved apology for bludgeoning
us with this cruel stereotype in your legal debate with Prof Madhuku. It
beggars belief that you could wilfully deploy such a gratuitous insult against
an entire ethnic group barely a day after your Chilonga presser,” said Mr
Sithole.
Reacting to Mr Biti’s post, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana said people should not hang to mindless stereotypes.
“As Zimbabweans, we are very proud of our diversity. We
accept each other without judging the next person through the prism of
stereotypes. False tribal stereotypes reflect badly on our own upbringing and
not our target,” said Mr Mangwana.
Another netizen said, “for a ‘renowned’ constitutional
lawyer, Biti sounded so casual and reckless there”.
Gondai Mutongi wrote, “MDC Alliance people thrive on
dividing our people along tribal and political lines. These divisive people
have no place in Zimbabwe. Unity is important for the success of the country”.
Another Twitter blogger Remmie Musavengana said, “Biti is
always in a ‘permanent’ state of anger. The reckless & irresponsible
suggestions about witchcraft and Chipinge is uncalled for. A leader should
know”.
A tweet attributed to Labour, Economists and African
Democrats (LEAD) led by Ms Linda Masarira said Mr Biti needed to apologise for
his senseless remarks.
“Lawyers are not mechanical, we can’t base on a linear
approach to arguments, let’s differ without attacking one’s ethnicity. It’s
unprofessional and unethical,” read the LEAD post.
Mutsa Murenje wrote, “I found reference to Chipinge quite
offensive and I was determined to take it to the Zimbabwe Human Rights
Commission and Twitter for settlement. Tribalism and prejudice have no place in
our modern era”.
The insinuations by Mr Biti validates claims from analysts
that the opposition party lacks astute leaders who are finding it difficult to
transition from student politics to national politics. Mr Biti is known for
using uncouth language even when addressing journalists. Herald
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