There is no room for economic saboteurs

It is disheartening and disturbing that Owen Kuwacha a leader of a minor opposition party, namely Zimbabwe People's Front and his three colleagues were recently engaged in a negative move of attempting to petrol bomb the First Family's Alpha Omega processing plant and tuck shop at their dairy farm in Mazowe.

Petrol bombing a big dairy farm like Alpha and Omega at a time when the nation is striving to revive the economy is a serious offence which deserves severe punishment. Alpha Omega dairy is one of the largest dairy farms in the nation which is responsible for manufacturing of dairy products such as fresh and sour milk, ice creams, yoghurts to mention a few.

It was reported that Kuwacha and his partners in crime were charged with possession of weaponry for sabotage, money laundering and terrorism. It is very unfortunate that Kuwacha and his friends are not aware of the real impact that their desired plot was going to cost the nation at large.

Truth be told, effects of economic saboteurs are not felt at personal level. The intended plot to bomb Alfa and Omega dairy farm was going to be a purely macro-economic crisis, designed to derail economic growth. Additionally, the bomb attack was going to cause a negative rippling effect on the economy, as it would have led to a significant drop of sales.

Dairy farming provides significant revenues for the country, through value added tax which is placed on every product at every final point of sale.

Had it been that the planned plot materialized, it could also have resulted in the laying off of some farm workers in that particular sub-sector, such that families depending on such businesses would suffer. Also, infrastructure as well as the manufactured products was to be damaged.

As a leader of a political party, Kuwacha should find other better ways of seeking political relevance. Cheap politics does not work in Zimbabwe. Surely, it boggles the mind to have politicians like Kuwacha who have destructive minds. As a leader of a party, one has to be responsible. They say charity begins at home. If one cannot manage his own political party, chances of leading a nation will be very slim.

It is shameful that the quartet had planned to bomb Alfa and Omega dairy accusing President Mugabe of causing suffering to Zimbabweans. Surely these people should give President a rest. How can you attempt to bomb someone's farm over such foolish allegations? One would wonder what exactly this quartet was going to achieve upon attacking President's farm.

Instead of mobilizing funds for the plotted bomb attack, Kuwacha and friends could have been acquired the same funds to start vibrant projects crucial for developing the nation.

Therefore, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and security forces should be encouraged to remain alert on such threats posed by saboteurs. Security forces should take stern action against such elements attempting to destabilize peace in nation. Acts of sabotage should not be tolerated; instead, security forces should counter them effectively.

As a nation, we are certainly tired of people like Kuwacha and allies who believe attacking other people's property is the solution to the problems currently bedeviling the nation. Instead of proffering ideas, Kuwacha and friends resorts to cheap politics which is unnecessary and unhelpful.

For instance, if Kuwacha and his friends realized that they had an issue that needed clarity, they should have engaged the responsible authorities rather than planning to destroy the First family's dairy farm.