“The fact that innocent farmers are being evicted in clear violation of High Court orders leaves everybody doubting Mnangagwa’s presidential capacity both in the acting and substantive head of state position,” said ZLHR programmes officer Dzimbabwe Chimbga, referring to the High Court order barring forced evictions at Manzou Farm in Mazowe.
He said Mnangagwa should ensure that the police, like any other citizen and government institution, observe the laws of the land as interpreted by the courts. Some 150 families have been forced off Arnold farm by police in violation of the two High Court orders which gave relief to the targeted settlers – reportedly to pave way for a wildlife sanctuary owned by President Robert Mugabe’s wife, Grace. Ibbo Mandaza, a respected political analyst, said Mnangagwa in his capacity as acting president should have acted in protection of the law. “At least he should have issued a statement regarding the defied court orders, but instead he remained quiet,” he said.
But Rejoice Ngwenya, an independent political analyst, said Mnangagwa’s level of compliance and innovation would depend on powers extended to him by Mugabe. “He has no capacity or authority to act on anything without instructions from Mugabe who is on leave in the Far East. No authority is vested in the acting or vice president, let alone the vice presidents. This is why the acting presidents cannot convene a cabinet meeting,” he said.
Though Mnangagwa could not be reached for comment, he recently admitted at the funeral of the late Simon Kundai Musanhu that he lacked negotiation and business skills. “Musanhu had the technical skills required of a government official to negotiate at that level with the developed world. “Hamungatume Mnangagwa kunotaura nedzimwe nyika nyaya dzemabhizimisi nekuti handizvigone. Asi kundo tsvaga zvombo ndingagone” (You cannot send Mnangagwa to negotiate developmental issues with the developed world. All I am capable of is sourcing arms of war for the country).
Post published in: Human Rights