MASVINGO - In a desperate bid to meet the goal of three million signatures, Zanu (PF) has allegedly taken its anti-sanctions petition to army barracks and police stations here, and is forcing all officers to sign it. State-run media journalists have been forced to do the same.
Officers from the provinces seven districts have been ferried to the provincial headquarters, Masvingo central police station, since Monday and forced to put their signatures on the petition launched by President Robert Mugabe a fortnight ago.
Investigations by Radio VOP after observing winding queues of junior officers outside the police headquarters revealed that Zanu (PF) had ordered the top brass to force all their subordinates to sign the petition.
The same operation is said to be going on in all army barracks as junior soldiers are being forced to sign the petition under the watchful eyes of the senior officers loyal to Mugabes party.
We had no choice but to sign because the order came from the bosses and they made it clear that those who refuse would be dealt with effectively, although they did not specify the kind of action they will take. All police officers commanding the seven districts of Masvingo have been summoned to bring their juniors here to sign, he said.
A soldier from IV brigade said they were told by their generals that any military men who refuse to sign would be confirming their sympathy for the MDC led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and would be punished for that.
We are always being abused by Zanu (PF). They are forcing us to sign the petition just like they do during elections when they make us vote for Zanu (PF) in front of our generals, who shower us with all kinds of threats including death and dismissal from work. Right now all soldiers from the army barracks in the province are reporting to headquarters where they are putting their signatures, said a junior soldier who declined to be named.
A reporter with the state-controlled Herald newspaper said senior editors and managers in different departments announced on Monday that everyone in the Zimpapers stable must append their signatures to the petition. Staff at Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings (ZBH) were also forced to sign, he said.
“Our editors told us on Monday that we must sign anti-sanctions campaign forms for the sanctions to be removed. The announcement was done in a soft way, they were saying it is voluntary but we know it is mandatory,” said the reporter.
The Heralds assistant editor, Ceasar Zvayi, ZBC chief correspondent Reuben Barwe, diplomatic correspondent, Judith Makwanya and former ZBC reporter Musorowegomo Mukosi are on the targeted measures list – accused of fanning violence, hatred and churning out lies in support of Zanu (PF) and Mugabe.
The EU said its policy on Mugabe and Zanu (PF) is planned by Brussels and the 27-member block will not be moved by the petition no matter how many signatures it bears.
Post published in: News