Every Zimbabwean would have been delighted to hear President Robert Mugabe (In almost every issue of The Zimbabwean we carry stories from various parts of the country of violence perpetrated by Zanu (PF) members on MDC supporters and human rights defenders.
We have never heard him condemning these acts. Neither has he ordered the police to investigate these incidents fully and impartially, and prosecute the perpetrators. As long as the violence is against the MDC and by Zanu (PF), impunity continues to be the order of the day.
As most Zimbabweans well know, Zanu operates on a nudge-nudge, wink-wink basis. This is not the first time Mugabe has spoken out at a public event about violence. His reputation for indicating left and turning right is well-known. Nobody is fooled by his fine-sounding rhetoric any more. We have had 30 long years of it.
Unless and until Mugabe publicly orders the police to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of violence whoever they might be he cannot be taken seriously.
While he was uttering these words on Independence Day, hordes of Zanu (PF) thugs were terrorising non-Zanu (PF) supporters around the country.
Only last week we carried a story about the arming of Zanu (PF) thugs in Mutoko area. This can only be in preparation for more violence. What is Mugabe doing about that? Why has he not ordered that these guns be taken away
The Herald reminds us ad nauseum that he is the Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces so surely he is aware of this development and has the power to reverse any orders that might have been made in his name, or without his prior agreement.
A further demonstration of his duplicity on Sunday was evidenced by the parading of child soldiers fully kitted out in miniature camouflage uniforms and carrying imitation rifles. What a disgusting display. As we have said before, guns are for one thing only to kill.
This appalling display, supposedly in celebration of 30 years of independence, is deplorable.
Post published in: Editor: Wilf Mbanga