Legal commentator wades into 'Shona Dogs' placard row

A Harare-based legal commentator Kuda Hove felt the insults directed at Shonas by the Highlanders fan last week should be viewed from a legal perspective.

This following a controversial placard by a Highlanders football fan last week which was insulting Shonas, calling them dogs.

"The issue really revolves around the human dignity that is found in section 51 of the constitution. The language used is derogatory to someone's dignity and generally towards the Shona tribe in Zimbabwe.

"It's not an excuse that he might be experiencing dissatisfaction with the predominantly Shona government, it's not an excuse that there are issues between Ndebeles and Shonas that have not been addressed properly but human rights are there and cannot be limited under any circumstances."

The issue of the offensive placard has generated debate in the social media with some wondering why the state media chose to dwell on the single negative placard when most of the Highlanders supporters on that day were displaying anti-tribalism banners. Others also pointed to previous incidents where a senior Dynamos player once came out on national TV declaring that "the title should not go to Ndebeles" (meaning Highlanders) but was let off the hook.

Meanwhile, outspoken Matabeleland South proportional representation MP, Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga says government should start addressing underlying ethnic differences among the country's major tribes to avoid incidences where those who felt aggrieved by the status quo start taking the law into their hands. She said condemning the placard carrier was folly as Zimbabweans were merely addressing symptoms of a far bigger problem.