ZimFirst supports efforts for Dzamara's recovery

ZimFirst leader Maxwell Shumba has said his party supports the move by the abducted Itai Dzamara's brother Patson and other fighting for him to be brought back indicating that the fight has ceased to be a family issue but has become a national problem.

Despite wide indications that the abducted democracy activist and journalist  Dzamara was an MDC-T loyalist ZimFirst leader Maxwell Shumba has claimed that the out spoken activists was a member of his party.

"When Itai Dzamara, a proudly ZimFirster, disappeared more than a year ago, we were shocked. Back then, we were a National Convergence platform and in our political diversity we disagreed on course of action," Shumba posted on Facebook.

"Some advocated for visible actions in the streets to push the regime to produce Itai but others pushed to continue building a political force behind the scenes that would eventually push perpetrators of human rights violations out of power."

He said the later argued that 'in their situation force should not be used to fight another force' because as the old adage says, the stronger force always wins .

"We, as ZimFirst continue to support efforts of those demanding that the regime produce Itai and we commit to find justices fir Itai when the time comes. He did not commit a crime to warrant the entire regime's state machinery's attention," he said.

"Produce Itai Mr Mugabe. In my numerous deliberations with Itai, Doctor Patson Patson was never mentioned so I never had the opportunity to know him first hand from Itai. Months after Itai had gone missing I took a keen interest in the actions of Doc Patson. My knowledge of him was solely from mainstream and social media. I had mixed feelings. I did not particularly know whether he was genuine or not . Some sections of the media associated him with CIO Boss Happyton Bonyongwe and this did not sit well with me."

He said people asked me frequently what he thought of Doc Patson Dzamara.

"I could neither give his actions a pass nor fail because I had no facts. I however, raised my concerns and red flagged his alleged association with the CIO Boss. Eventually I decided to engage Doc Patson directly and find out. Surprise, surprise, surprise. Once we started talking I felt like talking to Itai once again," he said.

"Humble and very thoughtful. Immediately all concerns and red flags disappeared. Simply put he is a sibling who has lost his loved one and deserves our support. Despite the life he is forced to live as he daily searches for his brother I was touched by the humility. Today Doc Parson is meeting with the notorious police officer Makedenge at Harare Police Station over his recent press statement on Itai's disappearance."

He said it's not an invitation to cup of coffee so the Good Doc deserves people's  utmost and unwavering support.

"Doc Patson wherever you are today please know that ZimFirst will be praying for your safety . We know from experience that the regime of Robert is brutal and for you to walk into their den, says a lot about your resolve to see the return of your brother. Officer Makedenge too has to answer the question 'where is Itai?'" he said.

 "Therefore, instead of interrogating you over your press statement, he should be telling you and all Zimbabweans where Itai is. It's as simple as that. Be strong my young brother. We are with you in our prayers as you face these challenges. I kindly ask Zimbabweans to stand with Doc Parson in his hour of need and in his meeting with the notorious Officer Makedenge."

Shumba said Patson's fight for Itai's return has ceased to be a family issue but a broad national Issue on forced disappearance and human rights violations by the Mugabe regime.

"A State should at all times guarantee the safety of all its citizens regardless of color, tribe or creed. The State should not at no time author the wanton disappearance of the citizens because of political opposition. Stay strong Doc," he said.