'Zimbabwe prisons used as slaughter houses for Ndebele people'

MLO President, Cde Paul Siwela saw brutality and agony caused by fractured bones, broken limbs and untreated festering gun shot wounds when he was detained at Khami Maximum Security Prison from 2011 to 2012. All Matebeles charged with armed robbery were groaning in pain with gun shot wounds on their left foot, but Shona speaking prisoners who had committed same offenses were looking clean without even a single scratch.

The reason given for these acts of ruthlessness is that Matebeles get shot or injured when they resist arrest. But the truth of the matter is that the Zimbabwe government and its security agents want to cause pain and suffering for Matabeles so as to keep them under submission and oppression.

Some tearful Matabeles reported torture, beatings, suffocation, electrocution and poisoning.

Prisoners charged with murder have their food laced with slow poison. As a result some do not make it back home or die soon after their release. Majority victims of torture die of internal injuries. Cde Paul Siwela, himself a high profile prisoner charged with treason for advocating for Matabeleland statehood restoration, did not escape the cruelty. He was subjected to solitary confinement while in cold and tight leg irons 24/7. Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyers refused to represent him on the basis of tribe and political ideology. This caused a tribal split within ZLHR organization with Matabeles forming Abammeli Mthwakazi to accommodate discriminated Matabeleland political activists. All Shonas remained in the segregative Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights to represent their Shona tribes and Zimbabwe oppressive political ideologies. To them Matebeles are not human enough to be represented by Shona lawyers in a Zimbabwe court. An abused Matabele dying in a Zimbabwean dirty prison is seen as not only normal but acceptable. They serve and promote the narrow interests of Shona supremacism not that of humans.

MLO notes that when Morgan Tsvangirai and Tendai Biti were charged with treason, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights members sprang up and lined up to stand for them simply because they were Shona and represented what they believed was the correct political ideology. Protest Pastor, Evan Mawarire pulled a record 200 volunteers from ZLHR thanks to his tribal orientation.

The duo of Tsvangirai and Biti were not subjected to solitary confinement nor leg irons. Is this the reason why there is no school of law nor school of medicine in Matabeleland? This is another subject which the people of Matabeleland must expose and interrogate vigorously. But it should be subject of the next article.

Killing and torturing people in prisons was common with apartheid South Africa and other colonialists in Africa. If apartheid which discriminated people according to skin colour and caused much pain to blacks was fought and defeated in South Africa, Shona supremacism that segregates blacks on the basis of tribe must fall in Matabeleland.

In our last article, MLO revealed how genocidists that dominate Zimbabwe government and security put Matebele soldiers in the front lines to be killed in Mozambique and DRC wars. Without fear or favour, today we reveal abuse and genocide against Matebeles that takes place inside prison high walls and bars.

Perpetrators are still the same gukurahundists that committed genocide in Matabeleland in which more than 40 000 Matabele civilians were dastardly burchard.

Taking a closer and careful look at the political developments in Matabeleland one can tell that the sleeping giant called Matabeleland has awakened. The oppressive Shona government security agents are running around like headless chickens carrying fire extinguishers to stop revolutionary flames in Matabeleland.

Last year they had to rush to Lupane in Matabeleland North to protect Shona teachers who were chased away from primary schools for causing law pass rates.

Late last year they took their water cannons, AK 47ns and baton to Bulawayo Trade Fair Grounds to stop Stanley Raphael Khumalo's supporters from anointing him as Matabeleland King. In march this year the riot police had to surround BF Stadium to prevent Bulelani Lobhengula Khumalo from being coronated as King. The reasons given for blocking the people of Matabeleland from exercising their right to practice their culture are stupid as the oppressor himself. We watch with laughter as the oppressor exposes and shoots himself in the foot. All oppressors are not smart. Are they?

The above mentioned events and many others bear testimony that a new generation has arisen in Matabeleland. A generation that worships God who is in heaven not a demi- god somewhere in Mashonaland. A generation that is not only aware but says it loud and clear that we are all equal before the eyes of God and that we all have the right to self determination.

These are God given and United Nations recognised rights that MLO unapologetically stands for. We urge all Matabeles not to be collaborators in their own oppression by legitimising the government of Zimbabwe by participating in their political events. Do not listen or follow Shona supremacist stooges who work around the clock to lead you back to Zimbabwe which to us is like the biblical Egypt to all Matebeles. These sellouts are more active during this period of elections campaign. We hear that they now define themselves as "Zimbabweans first" to try and deceive many in Matabeleland to abandon the restoration cause for political wilderness and oppression in Zimbabwe.

MLO will keep all its promises. We do not forget or forgive oppressors. Surrender is not an option but independence and sovereignty is our first and last option. For it, we are prepared to fight to the bitter end. If it means dying in the process let it be.

Give us Matabeleland or death!

Izenzo Kungemazwi!

Israel Dube
MLO Secretary for Information and Public Affairs