Itai Dzamara is worth Mugabe's attention - ZUNDE

The announcement by President Mugabe's spokesperson, George Charamba that Itai Dzamara's case is not worth the president's attention was shocking and satanic. Mugabe has not spoken in condemnation of the act, or even assuring the nation and Itai Dzamara's family that the government will do something to find him. Professor Jonathan Moyo, the then Minister for Information, put further scorn by avoiding the Dzamara question recently on BBC program Hard Talk. Instead of addressing the question he went on to justify government inaction by saying people disappear every day.

At Zimbabweans United for Democracy (ZUNDE), we would like to express our utter disgust at President Mugabe and his government's lack of concern for the safety and security of all citizens regardless of their stations in life. We would like to categorically state that a President who does not care about the safety of his subjects or sympathise with families in pain does not deserve any excellency and is not fit for the office of President of Zimbabwe. Leaving this duty to a junior spokesperson like Charamba who finds excitement in saying anything as long as it does not make sense, is deplorable. Worse still, conveniently leaking details of an "investigation" to a Herald reporter in a forlorn attempt to demonstrate some semblance of concern is utter contempt of justice and respect.

That President Mugabe never said sorry to the people of Matebeleland for the Gukurahundi massacres except to make some half-hearted reference of "moment of madness" does not make it normal for him to continue to ignore crucial events in his backyard as if he was not the head of state. Does Mugabe believe in humanity? Does he give a toss to the sanctity of life? Of course not. We see no humanity in the hearts of those who rush to make political mileage and capital on an unfortunate incident such as the disappearance of Ital Dzamara.

The presence of former tormentors masquerading as champions for peace at Dzamara's prayer meeting was reminiscent of a hangman crying loudest at the funeral of his victim. No amount of political desperation should let us elevate devils to angels simply because they have been thrown out of hell. Yes, there is need to work with democrats across the political divide in finding a lasting solution to our protracted crisis. However, one does not become a democrat overnight by virtue of being fired from ZANU PF.  People like Simba Makoni, Dumiso Dabengwa and a few others who left ZANU PF on their own are the ones that deserve anybody's attention. Recent rejects need some cleansing before they can be accepted into the family of democrats. They must work hard to regain people's confidence, trust and respect. They need some internship to prove that they are genuine.

In an environment where there is no distinction between, Zanu PF, government and state security, we are left with no option but to directly address and urge our security services to take their professional and constitutional duties seriously knowing that Zimbabwe shall always be there well after Mugabe and his lawless regime. Ignoring Dzamara's case sets a dangerous precedent. We must not forget that even some in the security sector have faced the same fate as Dzamara before. The case of Captain Nleya is just one example. After several years, Rashiwe Guzha has not been accounted for. There has to be an end to this mayhem before many more face the same fate.

We urge all Zimbabweans to join hands with the Dzamara family in these difficult times. Let's do whatever little we can to help the family suffering state-sponsored anguish. This is not a political but humane call. To President Mugabe, if indeed what Charamba said is a reflection of what's on your mind which is that Ital Dzamara does not deserve your attention, being the Catholic you claim to be, we ask you to kneel before the grotto and ask the Almighty to restore your conscience. To our colleagues in the opposition movement, our reminder is to use a very long fork; there are devils on the dining table masquerading as democrats.