Woman attacks MDC-T for abuse of dead hubby

THE widow of human rights activist, Paul Chizuze, Sibongile Maphosa, has threatened to sue the MDC-T for abusing the name of her husband and his pictures during demonstrations to gain political mileage.

Paul Chizuze was declared dead by the courts on 27 November last year after he went missing in 2012.

In an exclusive interview with Sunday News at her Bellevue home in Bulawayo yesterday, Maphosa (46) revealed the emotional trauma that she suffered after her husband's disappearance and how the continuous use of his name and pictures during demonstrations by the MDC-T was evoking the painful memories.

"I personally feel disrespected by the party for using my husband to gain political mileage and get donor's funds while his family is suffering. They did not even have the decency to approach us or seek permission before printing Chizuze's face on their banners," said Maphosa, her face full of emotion.

She said she was being affected emotionally by the use of her husband as she had accepted his disappearance, moved on and was picking the pieces of her life.

"When a person goes missing, you entertain two thoughts, that either they are dead or in hiding. With time you mourn and begin the painful process of moving on with your life. What amazes me is that these organisations have never come to this house yet they continue searching for Chizuze. What if he was here at home and they are busy marching in the streets using his name and face," she said.

She said Itai Dzamara, who also went missing, and Chizuze were being used for personal agendas by political parties at the expense of their families. Maphosa said she approached the Bulawayo MDC-T offices where she spoke to one Sithabile over the issue and expressed her displeasure over what the party was doing.

"Sithabile told me that a civic organisation in Harare was responsible for printing the banner that they used and said she would relay the message to her superiors that I was not happy. However, when I approached them again today (Saturday) before the march in Bulawayo, they told me they would use the same banner, which is a clear sign that my wishes are not being respected or considered," she said.

Maphosa narrated to Sunday News how she suffered from acute depression and was admitted to hospital for two weeks after her husband's disappearance. She said his family went to the extent of shunning her and blaming her for his (Chizuze) disappearance.

"Each time they march or demonstrate, their mileage politically increases but to the family, the pain increases and we are further scarred, we are the ones left to deal with the pain. As we speak Chizuze's mother is suffering, he was the breadwinner for both families and now my mother-in-law is starving and these people have never done anything for us. I have been quiet all along but I cannot sit back anymore and watch them do this. They should stop using others to further their strategies. It is unjust and inhuman," she said.

She said if the MDC-T and civic organisations continue to disregard her wishes, she would take the matter to her lawyers to sue for damages.

However, MDC-T spokesman Obert Gutu said they were not aware of Maphosa's concerns adding that if she had approached the Bulawayo provincial office, normal channels would be followed.

"We are a big party with membership all over the country and beyond. In my position as the party's spokesperson, I am not aware of her concerns but whatever concerns she has, they will be looked into following the proper channels," said Mr Gutu.