MDC appeals to Jacob Mudenda over arrested MPs

Dear Mr Speaker Hon. Adv. Jacob Mudenda,
 
Re: UNWARRANTED ARRESTS AND PERSECUTION OF THE MDC MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT.
 
I write this letter as the leader of the Main  Opposition in the Parliament of Zimbabwe to express my disappointment and concern over the wanton and unwarranted arrests and persecution of MDC-Alliance Members of Parliament by various State Agents. To date, four of our Legislators have been arrested on trumped up charges and a number of them are being hunted and victimized for their MDC Membership.
 
Whilst it is agreed that no one is above the Law, it is emerging that there are others that are more equal than others and actually above the Country's Laws. For the record, the Constitution of Zimbabwe confers prominence to the fact that all Institutions, Agencies of the State, Government and all Individuals are accountable to Parliament. Even the Presidency as an Arm of the State is not exempt from accountability to Parliament. Compliance with all relevant Constitutional provisions is obligatory and never discretionary. Section.2(2) of the Constitution makes it crystal clear that the obligations imposed by the Constitution are binding on every Person, Natural or Juristic, including the State, all Executive, Legislative, Judicial Institutions and Agencies of Government at every level.
 
To our surprise some members of the Uniformed Forces and Judiciary are behaving in a manner that portrays tendencies which are in conflict to these provisions.
 
It is for this reason that I consider it of paramount significance that the Constitution be upheld, respected and defended, particularly by those holding high offices like Your esteemed office, Presidency and Uniformed Forces. In this regard the unleashing of the Security Forces on the MDC MPs and the General Public without the express authority of Parliament is very worrying.
 
Some MDC Alliance Legislators have been arrested and persecuted for the stay away which as common knowledge was   called for by the suffering Working Class of Zimbabwe. Their call for the action was motivated by the various Socio-Economic challenges that are bedeviling our Nation. Obviously, the hiking of fuel price and its ripple effects to the general cost of living.
 
Consequently, some of the MPs are being charged for alleged attempts to subvert the sitting Zanu PF Government. In this regard we strongly feel that these are trumped up frivolous charges meant to frustrate and prejudice their social standing and that of the MDC-Alliance.  
 
For Your record and urgent attention, the following MPs have been unfairly arrested Mbizo's Hon. Settlement Chikwinya, Redcliff's Hon. Lloyd Mukapiko, Mkoba's Hon. Amos Chibaya and Chiwundura's Hon. Levi Chiminya and are still on remand. A host of other MDC MPs are being threatened and haunted by the State Security Agencies. All is being done for no good reasons. It must be highlighted to you that Opposition MP's are also Citizens who deserve respect just like their Zanu PF counterparts thus we call upon you to always ensure that this remains the case always.  
 
Since Parliament is opening on the 29th of January, 2019 I am extremely worried for the safety of my MPs.  
 
I am also concerned with the widespread victimization of MDC Members and the Public at large throughout the Country. Parliament through Your Office must as of necessity, implore all Members of the Uniformed Forces involved in various operations to always respect Human Rights in their execution of duty,
 
In conclusion, I therefore humbly appeal for Your urgent intervention on this matter for the safety of all my Honorable Members of Parliament and the Public at large.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Thabitha Khumalo (MP)
Leader of the Opposition House in Parliament.
MDC Alliance National Chairperson