Mandiwanzira Justifies Mawere Arrest
9 February 2017
The arrest of self-proclaimed pastor Evan Mawarire should be applauded because it is in line with the country’s Constitution which emphasises on the rule of law, a Cabinet Minister has said. This came after British ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Catriona Laing voiced concerns that Mawarire’s arrest was unconstitutional. She also criticised the cyber crime law that is being drafted by Government.
Ms Laing was speaking yesterday when she paid a courtesy call on Information Communication Technology and Courier Services Minister Supa Mandiwanzira.
Mawarire, who made a name for himself internationally by mobilising people to illegally demonstrate against Government under his #This Flag movement, was arrested at the Harare International Airport on the 1st of February.
Addressing journalists in Harare after meeting Ms Laing, Minister Mandiwanzira said that the law in Zimbabwe was not segregatory and if anyone broke the law, justice would take its course.
“I was very clear that it is very important that the world understands that Zimbabwe is very serious about the rule of law,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, whether you are a politician, a traditional leader, a businessman or a church leader, if you break the law it will take its course.
“Therefore, his (Mawarire) arrest must be seen in the context of there being the rule of law in our country, that if you breach your bail conditions you definitely will get arrested.”
Minister Mandiwanzira advised Ms Laing to use her worldly influence in clearing Zimbabwe’s name, which has been dragged into the mud for allegedly infringing on Mawarire’s rights.
He said it was speculation that the draft bill regarding cyber crime had already been finalised and that it violated the public’s right to social media expression. “I have mentioned to the ambassador that the civic society that have come to her really have no reason to be worried because we are taking into account all the concerns by Zimbabweans,” said Minister Mandiwanzira.
“We have not taken this Bill to Parliament yet; people are still free to bring their contributions so that we can incorporate them in the Bill.” Minister Mandiwanzira reiterated that countries coming to Zimbabwe with food aid should also consider investing and putting aside capital for Zimbabweans to start their own businesses, so that they can produce for themselves. – State Media
“Zimbabwe is serious on the rule of law, “Minister Mandiwanzira tells UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe. The whole world knows that Zanu PF only talks of rule of law when it is in its selfish interest to do so and with complete disregard the law when the regime so wishes. Here is a party that has blatantly rigged elections and has yet to hold free, fair and credible elections lecturing the whole on the rule of law!
The regime’s arrest of Pastor Mawarire had nothing to do with its respect for the rule of law but rather with its unlawful resolve to silence all its critics on the worsening economic situation.
Still Zanu PF rigged the 2013 elections but has failed to rig economic recovery and as long as the economy continue to sink into the abyss the regime can be sure of one thing – there will be more street protests. The economic situation has cause untold human misery and the situation cannot continue. We must have economic recovery and, since this has not been possible without regime change, we are going to demand regime change first. No amount of vote rigging backed up but brutal repression under the false pretence of upholding the law will stop regime change!
Zimbabwe follows its Rules of Law very seriously.
That’s why Johnathan Moyo is still running the streets instead of facing his crimes.
That’s why Magaya is still preaching instead of being in jail for rape.
What happened to the Zimra guys whom Mpoko set free.
This Super person must not talk nonsense.