MDC statement on harassment at Maleme

THE MDC expresses its shock and dismay at the continued savage ill-treatment of villagers of Maleme in Matopo by state security personnel.

Scores of villagers were arrested and detained this week on dubious charges of kidnapping and among them our party members who include, MDC Matobo North District Chairperson Killian Masuku, Kemesi Sibanda, Gabriel Moyo, Patson Ncube, Michael Ngathi, Patrick Dube and Obert Maphosa. They have been released on free bail and will appear in court on 19 March 2015. The behavior of the police explains to us why Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko did not show up for the Sunday meeting with the villagers to find a lasting solution to the matter as he had promised to do.

As MDC we view this as the worst kind of intimidation and it is not dissimilar to President Mugabe's infamous threats to the judiciary last week. We condemn in strongest terms this violation of basic freedoms of people who are within their rights to demonstrate against unfair treatment.

Sadly this incident is yet another chilling reminder of the Zanu PF government's usual resort to strong arm tactics to silence and harass the masses who dare to stand up against its injustices. It would appear as if the Zanu PF regime is prepared to defy the world and use whatever means to try and frustrate legitimate expressions of opposition to its misrule of Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile the MDC is aware of another storm brewing in Bulawayo, where commuter omnibus operators who were sick and tired of paying bribes to traffic police engaged in demonstrations against the traffic cops earlier this week.

We urge the people of Maleme and the commuter omnibus operators to not give up the fight for justice. As MDC we will always stand with the people. All these demonstrations are to us a sign that the people of Zimbabwe have finally chosen to stand up to the evil Zanu PF regime.

With this in mind, the Zanu PF government is reminded that no army can withstand the strength of the voice and will of the masses.