By nature coalition governments are never a harmonious affair as otherwise sworn political enemies brought together by the mere force of circumstances beyond their control each, from time to time, seek to impose their will on their partners in government.( Pictured : A vigil surrounding a Mutare Police Station demanding for Roy Bennet's freedom)So, it was to be expected that a political marriage between Zanu (PF) and the MDC parties that hold diametrically opposed doctrines of how to conduct politics would encounter its fair share of squabbles, broken promises and downright betrayal.
But for President Robert Mugabe and Zanu (PF) even with their deplorable record of deceitfulness in such matters to embark on a brazen campaign to undermine the unity government as they are doing through their persecution of Roy Bennett is dishonorable and a show of utter contempt of Zimbabweans.
The detention of Bennett last week is nothing but a deliberate and clearly racist strategy by allies of Zanu (PF) in charge of the justice system to victimise one individual in the hope of frustrating the MDC-T into quitting the coalition government.
They want to overthrow the unity government because it restricts their powers to do as they please with our country.
Forget all talk about legal technicalities that Bennett had to be put in jail following the decision to refer his case to the High Court.
We will not let the devil run away with the Gospel. Since when have Zanu (PF) and its operatives running the institutions of state lived by the letter and spirit of the law? Are they not the same people who are determined to withdraw Zimbabwe from the SADC Tribunal process rather than abide by orders not to invade commercial farms?
The same people who would rather charge victims of political violence instead of the perpetrators because they happen to belong to the same party cannot now turn around and lecture us about the rule of law. God forbid!
The state had promised to begin Bennetts trial last Wednesday. They chose to ambush him with the request for indictment to the High Court in order to buy time because they know, as we all do, that they have no case against the man.
But who are we to stop Zanu (PF) from making a rod for their own back. For, in the same way that they drag Bennett to court even when they know he is not guilty shall they in the fullness of time be brought to court to answer for their many transgressions. And let no one among them say they were never warned.
Post published in: Editor: Wilf Mbanga