Muntanga was the first MP for the Binga area after independence and won again between 1995 and 2000. He died last week after a long illness and was declared a national hero by ZANU PF.
But in a brave and moving speech, his son Dominic blasted ZANU PF for mistreating his father by arresting and disqualifying him from contesting the Binga parliamentary seat in 2000. ZANU PF then lost every election to the MDC after Muntanga retired.
“It’s unfortunate that my father was arrested in a free Zimbabwe whose independence he contributed to,” the son reportedly told mourners, who were said to be mostly uniformed officers and ZANU PF youth.
SW Radio Africa correspondent Simon Muchemwa was at the national shrine Wednesday and sat close to the casket with a full view of Mugabe and his entourage. Muchemwa described the 87 year old Mugabe’s appearance as “very frail.”
“Mugabe arrived late and appeared to have problems with his right leg,” our correspondent said, adding that Grace Mugabe and Mohadi stayed close to the ageing leader and stepped in to assist whenever it seemed he had stumbled.
Muchemwa said Mugabe’s right leg looked swollen as he sat listening to relatives of the deceased. And at the podium he became emotional as he admitted that Muntanga had been arrested. At times Mugabe even sounded confused, our correspondent said.
“Dominic said his father was angry and felt let down by the Mugabe regime because the Tonga people have been marginalized. They sacrificed their traditional land when they were displaced in order for the Kariba Dam to be built, yet 31 years since independence the Tonga people still don’t have electricity,” Muchemwa said.
He added that Mugabe deviated from his prepared speech to respond to the accusations, but he did not make much sense. He also appeared to be leaning against the podium to support his weight.
There has been much speculation and discussion over Mugabe’s failing health over the years, with reports claiming the numerous visits he made to Malaysia recently were to seek treatment for prostate cancer. Mugabe insists he is in good health, but his public appearances are proving that at 87 he is an old man who should now retire.
Post published in: News