In an interview with The Zimbabwean, Mwonzora said government silence on the move by the two to seek political asylum in the countries where they were deployed during the tenure of the Government of National Unity lent credence that their safety was not guaranteed.
Said Mwonzora: “Zwambila gave her reasons why she feels that her safety is not guaranteed and this could be because of what she has experienced during her tenure as ambassador.”
He said because the decision to seek political asylum was a personal one, the party could not force her to come home.
“We cannot tell her to come home because we cannot guarantee that nothing will happen to her. Zanu (PF) constitutes the majority in government,” said Mwonzora.
“Government silence on the issue lends credence that her fears are justified. Given the vindictiveness of Zanu (PF) in the past, her move is justified and as a party we respect her choice,” said Mwonzora.
Government recalled 20 ambassadors from their various diplomatic missions following the expiry of their four year tenure of office.
Ambassador Jacqueline Zwambila was in 2009 deployed to represent the Zimbabwe government in Australia.
The MDC issued a statement defending her move on the basis that the party was unable to redress her genuine concerns and fears because the ‘ill treatment that she received at the hands of the State and State agents while on a national tour of duty as Zimbabwe’s representative to Australia are well documented.’
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