Following repeated threats by army generals not to allow a candidate
without liberation war credentials to succeed President Robert Mugabe,
the former Zipra High Command issued a statement condemning the
threats. The position was taken at a recent meeting of former
commanders.
“Zimbabweans and former freedom fighters
are perturbed about Pronouncements in the media regarding the choice
of the country’s future leaders,” the
statement read.
Magwizi said following the publication of the statement in the local
newspapers, he was summoned by officers from the Law and Order section
at the Bulawayo Central police station.
“I was phoned by Sergeant Nyanhete to come to Bulawayo Central
Police Station. When I went to the station, I met a senior police who
identified himself as Moyo,” said Magwizi.
He added that the police told him that the ZIPRA statement had caused
security problems because the MDC-T were
associating the party with the ex-Zipra commanders.
In a statement the MDC said the party was committed to ensuring the
welfare of ex-fighters once it got into power.
 “We commend such an unwavering standpoint on the values and principles
guiding the war of liberation which those in Zanu (PF) structures sought
to desecrate and disrespect in pursuit of selfish personal partisan
interests,” said the party in the statement.
Magwizi said the police also took his personal details. “You cannot place a person under surveillance for preaching peace. How
can you heal the people if the truth cannot be told? We will continue
fighting for peace in this country despite this intimidation and
threats,” said Magwizi, who added that he had already briefed the
former Zipra commanders over the incident.
While no comment could be obtained from police spokespersons, several
details at Bulawayo Central Police anonymously confirmed the
appearance of Magwizi at the station.
Service chiefs first made the threats on the eve of the 2002
presidential elections when they described the position of a
Zimbabwean president as “a straitjacket” that would not be worn by
people without liberation credentials, in reference to MDC leader,
Morgan Tsvangirai.
Subsequent threats were issued in 2008, leading to one of the most
violent election campaigns in history.
Several army commanders, including Brigadier-Generals Trust Mugoba,
Douglas Nyikayaramba and Martin Chedondo, this year issued statements
saying no party other than Zanu (PF) would be allowed to rule
Zimbabwe.
The statements were seen as aimed at Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai,
who poses the greatest threat to Mugabe’s ambitions to rule
perpetually.
Post published in: News