MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora told The Zimbabwean: “Misguided statements by rogue military generals like Chiwenga will not draw Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai into arguments with political sycophants.”
He advised Chiwenga to clearly position himself in the Zanu (PF) politburo or central committee and leave military service. “Chiwenga and other service chiefs fear prosecution for their misdeeds should there be a change of government in Zimbabwe, hence their resistance to change and blatant disrespect of the GPA.”
Speaking at a memorial service held for his brother in Hwedza last week Chiwenga told mourners that he had no time to waste meeting ‘sell-outs’ as he was busy strategising on how best to safeguard Zimbabwe’s interests and values.
He described Tsvangirai as a psychiatric patient and reiterated that the defence forces would not respect or entertain people who do not value the ideals of the liberation struggle.
“Who is Tsvangirai? It is impossible for me and other service chiefs to entertain the MDC-T leadership, as meeting them would be a betrayal of people who sacrificed their lives for Zimbabwe independence. Anyone who does not respect the ideals of the liberation struggle will not be allowed to rule the country by the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Political analyst Pedzisai Ruhanya said Chiwenga’s statements were meant to intimidate the electorate into voting a political party of his choice. He described Chiwenga as an unprofessional service chief who attempted to commit suicide after failing to pass a simple military promotion examination in the late eighties.
Alexander Rusero, a respected political analyst, said Chiwenga’s statement was an empty political noise that would have no bearing on the election results because “Zimbabweans know what they want”.
“Tsvangirai recent regional diplomatic offensive by Tsvangirai unsettled Zanu (PF) hence the careless talk by service chiefs,” added Rusero.
Post published in: News