The Youth Advocacy for Reform and Democracy (YARD), unequivocally castigates and lambasts the overzealous and equally misinformed decision to arrest the War Veterans’ leadership, clumsily orchestrated by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) following a communique addressed to the ZANU PF leadership.
Both the Secretary General and the Spokesperson of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association (ZNLWVA), Cde Victor Matemadanda and Cde Douglas Mahiya respectively, were arrested by members of the ZRP Law and Order Divisions over trumped up treason allegations, after the alleged authoring of said communique that denounced the President and First Secretary of ZANU PF, Cde R.G. Mugabe.
This arrest stands out as a ridiculous and yet callous violation of human rights as well as the wanton abuse of a public institution to serve personal interests. As YARD we question the constitutionality of the arrests whilst fully cognisant of the fact that the communique is a document that was directed to the leadership of ZANU PF and therefore nothing more than an in-house matter. Surprisingly however, the ZRP moved in to take action in this particular party matter, party of which does not have a law enforcement agency and least of all the ZRP as part of its structures.
It is horrifying to note that the ZRP, as an apolitical institution seems to be employing double, partisan standards in its approach to this particular matter. This partisan approach subsequently has highly detrimental effects to the establishment of the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
As YARD, we remain consistent in our adherence to and observation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the regional resolutions made by the African Union. The leadership of this country however seems to be exhibiting chameleon-like behaviour and desperately needs to work towards good governance and the creation of rule of law.
What is worse is the not so surreptitious creation and consolidation of a dictatorship in this once Republican Zimbabwe. The police force and the ruling party have taken a stance to criminalise opposition and any divergent opinions to the rulership of one man.
Regime change has become a testimony of imperialistic rhetoric. Democracy and democratic principles of the majority having their way while the minority has its say has been rendered alien to Zimbabwe by the President of the country.
The President, who used to be the voice of reason, has become the protagonist of retrogressive elements in Zimbabwe. In total contrast, the President is fuelling illegal arrests and issuing reckless statements against his former allies with impunity.
As the youth of Zimbabwe, we demand the immediate release of the incarcerated War Veterans. The sacrifices that these men made, can never be repaid by such levels of oppression and political repression. Such attacks on the War Veterans is an insult that smacks of disrespect and lack of appreciation of the highest order. Political rights and liberties have been trampled upon by this current regime and its upon these grounds that the calls for regime change from within become audible.
To all Zimbabweans, and all vibrant organisations such as the #thisflag and tajamuka movement, we call upon you to once again show your unity of purpose and work for the achievment of justice to these sons of the soil. We call upon the international community to act decisively against inhumanity and violation of human rights in Zimbabwe. The moment of truth has come for all Zimbabweans to show patriotism to the country and stand up for the leadership of the War Veterans. Let us show again the unity we saw with the good pastor as we defend the rights of these innocent War Veterans whose only “crime” is honest speech and a cry for justice to prevail. Let us show our solidarity with them and rally behind them as they appear in court tomorrow, Friday 29th July 2016. YARD encourages all citizens to stand up and be counted in their support for those who sacrificed for us to enjoy liberation from the oppressive white regime and are now standing up once again to defend us from the shackles of the current black regime. Let us turn up in our thousands!
Zimbabwe is living in momentous times and needs a united people against oppression of the highest order which is being orchestrated by this Government.
YARD NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON
TINOTENDA MHUNGU
28 July 2016