HWEDZA - Thomas Zhuwawo (60) of Magwaza village, Hwedza, like other villagers across the country, is both confused and disappointed about suspicious police ban on MDC booked rallies.
He invested so much trust in MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai and his Movement for Democratic Change party that any frustration of the partys activities makes him sick. Looking forward to hearing Tsvangirai addressing party followers at Glamis Arena in Harare on March 20, he sold his only goat to cover transport costs to the long-awaited party gathering. He narrated to The Zimbabwean how his heart was broken after realizing the rally would never take place, as armed police and rogue Zanu (PF) youths had cordoned off the venue.
I am a strong rural MDC-T supporter who put his life on the line for democracy to prevail in the country. I have never been Zanu (PF) all my life and joined MDC at its formation 1999 after ceasing to be politically neutral. Sacrificing the only family beast for the love of a political movement is not an everyday decision. MDC runs in my blood and can be felt as one enters my homestead. I love peace, justice and all other elements of democracy. On the eve of the ill-fated Glamis Arena meeting, my family unanimously agreed to dispose of the goat in order for me to hear Tsvangirai speak.
Come Saturday, unaware police had banned the rally to save interests of the so called Zanu (PF) anti-sanctions crusade, I walked the first 20 km of my journey as the area is not serviced by public transport. Later, I hitchhiked private transport to Nhekayiro Growth Point before catching a commuter omnibus to Harare. I could have waited for the cheaper conventional buses to Harare, but opted for the more costly but faster means of transport as I wanted to be at the rally venue before everyone else. Being the earliest bird at the venue would allow me to select the best seat as close as possible to the speakers, in order not to miss a single word.
My expectations were rudely shaken as riot police and hired Zanu (PF) thugs chased and beat up suspected MDC-T supporters destined for the gathering. What disappointed me most was the sight of state law enforcement agents casting a blind eye while party militia assaulted innocent people converging at a legitimate rally. Since my left leg was broken in a Zanu (PF) attack June 2008, I could not escape from the thugs attack. My clothing was torn off my body while my belongings including cash were looted by the rowdy thugs.
Looking at the police, who are mandated to protect defenceless citizens in my situation, I was bitter and disturbed to see them laughing as they enjoyed observing my plight. Some of them could be heard whistling, suggesting they were urging the hooligans to step up their criminal acts. After what seemed like an eternity, the thugs let me go but without my personal items. Proceeds from the sale of my goat benefited the thugs who left me without bus fare for the trip back home.
Passersby later advised me that the meeting was not sanctioned as Mugabe and his Zanu (PF) were scheduled to hold an anti-sanctions meeting some 200 metres away. News regarding the ban had eluded me as I have no television or radio set. I received the shock of my life to learn that the man I voted President, Morgan Tsvangirai, could be barred from conducting party activities by the loser, Mugabe.
Though I was not sure of who called the shots in the GPA, I was completely sure that Tsvangirai overwhelmingly won March 2008 Presidential elections. His party won the majority in Parliament. Everybody including state controlled media confirmed the resounding MDC-T victory at the ballot.
My son Godfrey, a civil servant in Harare, confirmed that Tsvangirai as Prime Minister was the Head of Government. He would run the show in government including the Home Affairs Ministry which controls the police force. So, how on earth could a mere police force, a subordinate arm of government ban the Prime Minister from holding a political rally?
Surely, since my vote and that of the majority of the electorate gave Tsvangirai the mandate to take overall charge of state affairs, how could he be bullied about by partisan Mugabe police officers? Does Tsvangirai doubt the people power behind him? Why cant he consult people on the best way to deal with police brutality and tyranny? Honestly, Tsvangirai should learn to seize opportunities and take dictatorship head on.
A Good Samaritan offered me money for food and bus fare for the journey back home. I embarked on the long and painful journey back to Hwedza where my wife expected words of encouragement and hope from Tsvangirai.
My wife and my two sons were shocked by my news. They could not say anything but left the kitchen with sad faces and retired to bed.
Last week a teacher at the local school advised me that the abandoned rally was rescheduled for last Sunday, March 28. I pleaded with a local well-to-do neighbour for a piece job in order for me to raise bus fare for another trip back to Harare. This time the meeting point would be Zimbabwe Grounds in one of Harares oldest residential suburbs, Highfield.
I again found my way to the new venue only to find that the rally had been banned again, by the same police, who claimed again that Zanu (PF) would have an event at the venue. How could Mugabes party have a function at Zimbabwe Grounds at the same time its fallen hero, the late Governor for Harare Metropolitan, David Karimanzira, would be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre across town? This sounded like a direct insult to Tsvangirai. But how could the usually brave Tsvangirai take the challenge lying down? I found it difficult to accept that he had suddenly turned into Mugabes punching bag. How things could change in such a short space of time shocked me to the core.
People demand dismantling of dictatorship and nothing less. It is high time MDC disrespects provocative police banning of legitimate party gatherings. Mugabe and the police are taking people for granted. The peoples patience has been stretched to the limit. If it means losing life at the hands of dictatorship in the struggle for democracy, let it be. I am prepared to let my blood water the first seed of the struggle for freedom from tyranny. MDC must speak to its supporters. Whenever the meeting would be held, I would be the first to arrive at the venue and position myself where I will not miss a single word.
Post published in: News