Shadowy corridors of politics in Zimbabwe

In the increasingly shadowy corridors of politics in Zimbabwe, an old proverb has taken a sinister hold: "If you want to kill your dog, allege it has rabies." This chilling adage isn't just folklore - it's a weapon that's now being wielded by ideologically barren politicians who, lacking manifestos, fresh ideas, or visions for power, are resorting to smearing rivals with unproven criminal allegations; as their only political weapon with nothing else to offer. Their accusations aren't aired in courts of law or through formal channels; instead, they're hurled in political bureaus, splashed across social media through hired trolls, and scattered like confetti in scandalous documents peddling falsehoods for naked nefarious agendas.

What's truly disheartening - and shocking - is that this tactic comes from those who posture as society's moral soldiers. It's not merely shameful to criminalise politics; it's primitive, even barbaric, a stark emblem of irrationality run amok.

But first it would help to unpack the proverb itself, for its origins reveal a deeper truth. Far from literal, it stems from the grim reality of rabies: a suspected animal is often quarantined or euthanized to curb the spread of its disease, making the disease a perfect pretext for destruction. Though sometimes attributed to French or German roots, the proverb is universal, it's a cautionary tale against false accusations as cover for harm.

At its core, the proverb delivers a twofold moral maxim: Beware of false accusations or pretexts for unjust actions. On the dark side, it warns against the toxic tendencies such as the kind poisoning Zimbabwean politics today:

Fabricating charges: Concocting downright lies to justify harming political opponents or seizing undeserved advantage.

Unjustified actions: Rushing or seeking to take drastic measures without a shred of evidence.

Abuse of power: Exploiting authority to inflict unfair treatment under false pretences.

On the brighter side, the proverb champions virtues that are sorely missing from Zimbabwe's political landscape:

Fairness: Insisting that every allegation, from anyone against anyone, be grounded in truth and evidence before any action is taken.

Caution: Exercising restraint when accusations could ruin lives, demanding proof over impulse.

Integrity: Committing to honesty and transparency, shunning deceitful ploys.

The resultant moral compass aligns seamlessly with a cornerstone of justice: "He who alleges must prove".

In legal terms, this is the burden of proof, encapsulated in the Latin phrase Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat - "The proof lies with the one who declares, not the one who denies."

Whether in civil suits, criminal trials, or administrative decisions, the accuser must substantiate their claims: plaintiffs prove harm, prosecutors establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, and authorities justify their decisions.

Yet this principle transcends courtrooms; it's a blueprint for everyday living. It demands accountability, holding everyone responsible for the weight of their words. And it enshrines fairness, guarding against baseless claims that erode trust and fracture societies.

In a world quick to accuse and slow to verify, true strength lies not in destruction, but in the disciplined pursuit of nothing but the facts. Only then can Zimbabwe—and indeed, any nation—build a politics worthy of its people!