Opinion / Columnist
Zanu-PF's call for Tsvangirai arrest ignorant
01 Apr 2014 at 22:05hrs | Views
Press statement (1 April 2014) - Fools Day
The statement by Zanu-PF that MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai must be arrested for calling for mass action against government clearly displays embarrassing ignorance of Zimbabwe's constitution on the part of Zanu-PF. In terms of Section 59 of the constitution of Zimbabwe every person has the right to demonstrate and present petitions as long as this is done peacefully.
What President Tsvangirai said at the well-attended rally in Zhombe last Saturday was that it was irresponsible for people to stand idly by while the economy was in free fall as is the case at present. The economy of Zimbabwe has gone for the worse ever since the stolen elections of July 31, 2013. It is not a secret that the pay days for civil servants have had to be deferred because of the government failure to raise enough money for their salaries. It is also not a secret that the government has continuously lied to civil servants that their salaries were going to be increased.
Over one million poor children are out of school because the BEAM fund has been looted by Zanu-PF. The health care system has collapsed and health care is now beyond the reach of the ordinary Zimbabweans. Zimbabweans continue to watch diamond revenue being looted by the rich and powerful in Zanu-PF.
According to President Tsvangirai, Mugabe has displayed pathetic weakness in dealing with corruption. Only last year a highly charged Mugabe told the nation that Masimirembwa had been engaged in corrupt activities and yet no action was taken. Two weeks ago Mugabe told us that one of his ministers had solicited a bribe from an investor and yet no minister has been brought to book up to now.
Zanu-PF continues abrogating the constitution by refusing to swear in the Provincial governments elected by the people in July last year in terms of Chapter 14 of our constitution.
The behaviour of the government clearly justifies Zimbabweans staging mass demonstrations against this clearly irresponsible government. Therefore the MDC is within the law in calling for mass action against the government. Any attempts by Zanu-PF to harass President Tsvangirai are an act of foolish bravery.
The MDC will soon be calling upon the people of Zimbabwe to stage mass demonstrations against the government if it continues violating the rights of the Zimbabwean people. It will not be intimidated by Zanu-PF into abandoning the people's cause. In line with the MDC philosophy these demonstrations will be peaceful. We see it strange that Zanu-PF should be calling for President Tsvangirai to be arrested for saying things that the law permits. Maybe Mr. Rugare Gumbo should ask Hon. Paul Mangwana to give him free lessons in constitutional law.
DOUGLAS MWONZORANational Spokesman
The statement by Zanu-PF that MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai must be arrested for calling for mass action against government clearly displays embarrassing ignorance of Zimbabwe's constitution on the part of Zanu-PF. In terms of Section 59 of the constitution of Zimbabwe every person has the right to demonstrate and present petitions as long as this is done peacefully.
What President Tsvangirai said at the well-attended rally in Zhombe last Saturday was that it was irresponsible for people to stand idly by while the economy was in free fall as is the case at present. The economy of Zimbabwe has gone for the worse ever since the stolen elections of July 31, 2013. It is not a secret that the pay days for civil servants have had to be deferred because of the government failure to raise enough money for their salaries. It is also not a secret that the government has continuously lied to civil servants that their salaries were going to be increased.
Over one million poor children are out of school because the BEAM fund has been looted by Zanu-PF. The health care system has collapsed and health care is now beyond the reach of the ordinary Zimbabweans. Zimbabweans continue to watch diamond revenue being looted by the rich and powerful in Zanu-PF.
According to President Tsvangirai, Mugabe has displayed pathetic weakness in dealing with corruption. Only last year a highly charged Mugabe told the nation that Masimirembwa had been engaged in corrupt activities and yet no action was taken. Two weeks ago Mugabe told us that one of his ministers had solicited a bribe from an investor and yet no minister has been brought to book up to now.
Zanu-PF continues abrogating the constitution by refusing to swear in the Provincial governments elected by the people in July last year in terms of Chapter 14 of our constitution.
The behaviour of the government clearly justifies Zimbabweans staging mass demonstrations against this clearly irresponsible government. Therefore the MDC is within the law in calling for mass action against the government. Any attempts by Zanu-PF to harass President Tsvangirai are an act of foolish bravery.
The MDC will soon be calling upon the people of Zimbabwe to stage mass demonstrations against the government if it continues violating the rights of the Zimbabwean people. It will not be intimidated by Zanu-PF into abandoning the people's cause. In line with the MDC philosophy these demonstrations will be peaceful. We see it strange that Zanu-PF should be calling for President Tsvangirai to be arrested for saying things that the law permits. Maybe Mr. Rugare Gumbo should ask Hon. Paul Mangwana to give him free lessons in constitutional law.
DOUGLAS MWONZORANational Spokesman
Source - MDC
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