Chiredzi farmer and activist Gerry Whitehead said it also appears that ZANU-PF is abandoning the thugs that the party hired to commit brutal acts against MDC supporters, ahead of the Presidential runoff election on June 27. Supporting the perpetrators while they are facing criminal charges would link ZANU-PF to their activities, something the regime is keen to avoid. In addition the party cannot afford to pay for their legal representation.
This strategy of abandoning those who do the dirty work’ is not new to ZANU-PF. The Mugabe regime has always used desperate unemployed youths and some war vets to intimidate, assault and torture those perceived to be enemies of the state.Whitehead said in some cases the police are actually investigating the reported crimes, something that has become unusual in Zimbabwe. He said: At least 90% of the police officials want to do the right thing but they are really frightened.
One of those who seems to have been abandoned by ZANU-PF is a police chief who was second in charge of the government’s Operation Maguta in Chiredzi. Whitehead did not disclose his name but he said the police chief is facing rape and murder charges. So far he has not received any support from ruling party officials and is reportedly very frightened.
Some of the victims who have identified those who attacked them say they are being intimidated in order to drop the charges. But according to Whitehead none of the victims in the Chiredzi area have withdrawn their cases.The outspoken activist encouraged those who are being intimidated to report that to the police as well. This will serve as a warning to future perpetrators of violence that they will be prosecuted as individuals for their actions, and that they cannot count on ZANU-PF to protect them.
SW Radio Africa
Post published in: News