Mutsvangwa defends FAZ's operations

The ruling ZANU-PF party has responded to SADC Head of Mission Nevers Mumba's concerns regarding the Zimbabwe Electoral Management Body's failure to fulfil constitutional requirements, adhere to the Electoral Act, and uphold SADC values during the recent elections.

Mumba further mentioned how FAZ had allegedly intimidated voters in both rural and urban areas.

In an open letter to journalists on Friday evening, Zanu PF Spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa chastised Mumba, accusing him of interacting with Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) officials and singling out FAZ while ignoring other civic society organisations.

Mutsvangwa vigorously defended the operations of FAZ, categorizing it as a Civic Society Organisation (CSO) with a focus on security.

He drew parallels between FAZ and colonial-era groups that spied for Zanu PF and other revolutionary parties, stating that understanding the enemy was crucial for survival. He stated, ‘If you did not know your enemy, you would die.'

Mutsvangwa said,

"We want to make it very clear the SADC Observer Mission is a product of members state of SADC and not administered by a particular individual who may become the head of a delegation, he is only in a delegated role.

"Without prior consultation with members of his mission and without them having given reports to their countries or secretariat he decides to delve into matters which have nothing to do with his mandate.

"It is not the duty of a particular individual to arrogate to himself the role of a constitution review committee of Zimbabwe, so Mr Nevers Mumba, we call you to order if you have issues tell it to relevant institutions.