News / National
Self-exiled former Tajamuka commander vows to fight on
10 Sep 2023 at 13:23hrs | Views
Self-exiled CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi has vowed to continue with his fight for democracy as he moved to dismiss claims he was a fugitive from justice but a target for political persecution by a "vindictive" Zanu-PF led authority.
Mkwananzi sneaked out of the country last week after police had gone public about plans to arrest him for public order offences allegedly committed in 2020.
Police have dangled a US$1,000 bounty for information leading to the former Tajamuka commander.
Speaking via phone from his new base, Mkwananzi insisted he was a law-abiding citizen and would not make any attempt to dodge prosecution if the current administration has not shown any malice towards targeted politicians within the opposition.
"I didn't run away from the authorities. I ran away from bloodthirsty thugs," Mkwananzi said.
"There is no authority in Zimbabwe at the moment. Mr (president) Mnangagwa is there by force.
"He is not there by vote; so, he is not recognised authority. That is why I ran away.
"If it was a true, legitimate authority of our country and the rule of law is in place; being applied uniformly, fairly and justly, I would have turned up to face the justice system.
"But this is not a justice system. This is a Zanu-PF vindictive system. And I advise all our cadres never to face it."
Mkwananzi was appointed party spokesperson in the middle of Zimbabwe's election last month amid signs the militant activist was being deployed by CCC leader Nelson Chamisa to add vigour to the opposition information channel in light of fierce verbal exchanges over elections by Zanu-PF and CCC.
His appointment was followed by a dramatic incident in which men in civilian attire stormed a media briefing he was addressing in Harare and attempted to manhandle him in the full glare of local and international journalists.
It later turned out these were police detectives.
Mkhwananzi is adamant no one was safe under President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration.
He vowed to continue the fight for democracy even in the face of clear attempts to break his spirit.
"My resolve to fight for good governance and democracy is undeterred.
"We cannot be deterred by fake warrants, and flimsy charges, political persecution and those who are afraid of the people; we will soldier on," he said.
Mkwananzi sneaked out of the country last week after police had gone public about plans to arrest him for public order offences allegedly committed in 2020.
Police have dangled a US$1,000 bounty for information leading to the former Tajamuka commander.
Speaking via phone from his new base, Mkwananzi insisted he was a law-abiding citizen and would not make any attempt to dodge prosecution if the current administration has not shown any malice towards targeted politicians within the opposition.
"I didn't run away from the authorities. I ran away from bloodthirsty thugs," Mkwananzi said.
"There is no authority in Zimbabwe at the moment. Mr (president) Mnangagwa is there by force.
"He is not there by vote; so, he is not recognised authority. That is why I ran away.
"If it was a true, legitimate authority of our country and the rule of law is in place; being applied uniformly, fairly and justly, I would have turned up to face the justice system.
Mkwananzi was appointed party spokesperson in the middle of Zimbabwe's election last month amid signs the militant activist was being deployed by CCC leader Nelson Chamisa to add vigour to the opposition information channel in light of fierce verbal exchanges over elections by Zanu-PF and CCC.
His appointment was followed by a dramatic incident in which men in civilian attire stormed a media briefing he was addressing in Harare and attempted to manhandle him in the full glare of local and international journalists.
It later turned out these were police detectives.
Mkhwananzi is adamant no one was safe under President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration.
He vowed to continue the fight for democracy even in the face of clear attempts to break his spirit.
"My resolve to fight for good governance and democracy is undeterred.
"We cannot be deterred by fake warrants, and flimsy charges, political persecution and those who are afraid of the people; we will soldier on," he said.
Source - zimlive
