MLF threatens terror attacks

The party, afflicted by infighting that has split it into more than four splinter formations since its launch less than three years ago, recently threatened to render Matabeleland ungovernable should government continue to ignore its calls.

It also implied that the mainstream MDC, its sworn “enemy number one”, had no right to discuss compensation for victims of the 1980s Gukurahundi killings initiated by President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu (PF) government against supporters of the then main opposition Zapu party.

“MLF is not joking and this (demand for secession) is not child play,” read a statement from an MLF leader who signed as just Sibanda. He also blamed the African Union for dismissing the tribal grouping’s calls for the creation of a “Mthwakazi” state.

“The problem with African leaders is that they take too long to realise serious matters. Look at what happened in Sudan! It took the African Union 50 years to realise that the southerners were serious. Their slumber cost more than two million people’s lives. We do not wish to go that route but should Zimbabweans wish then, so be it,” he said.

MLF national spokesman, David Magagula, recently lashed out against MDC Secretary-general and Minister of Finance, Tendai Biti, for suggesting compensation for Gukurahundi victims.

“Biti and his leader must surely be man enough and stand up to Mthwakazi and give reasons why we cannot be granted our independence for proper progress and prosperity to be realized by the two countries or show cause as to why they object or would object to our demand,” said Magagula.

“It should be vividly clear to all and sundry that whoever wins the elections has to tackle the Mthwakazi issue as a priority, as no one will ever form a stable government without taking seriously into consideration the issue of Mthwakazi Independence. Alternatively, MDC-T should say when it is going to elect a Ndebele as its President.”

Scores of Zimbabwean exiles who spoke to The Zimbabwean advised the MLF, which does not want the people of Matabeleland to participate in the forthcoming elections, to stop confusing people.

“The MLF are just a confused bunch of chancers. They are same people who boot-lick Jonathan Moyo (Zanu (PF) politburo member) and at one time also went to town to celebrate that Emmerson Mnangagwa would one day become President of Zimbabwe, yet Mnangagwa was influential in the same Gukurahundi the people of Matabeleland hate Zanu (PF) for,” said Mengezi Moyo.