The MDC Students Council notes with utter dismay, disdain and exasperation at the continued corrosion of the rights of citizens, the closure of political space and the belligerence, aggressiveness and exclusiveness by this junta masquerading as a new dispensation.

As a Council we are increasingly riled by the incessant abductions, torture and arrests of pro-democracy activists. In particular the abduction and torture of Tatenda Mombeyarara of the Citizen’s Manifesto and Blessing Kanotunga MDC Mufakose District Youth Chairperson. These abductions and beatings are undoubtedly state sponsored.

We also note with deep concern the politically motivated conviction of the people’s chief, Chief Ndiweni. His only crime is to be on the people’s side.

What is shocking is that these attacks are occurring in a “New Dispensation” which promised reform and openness.

These are very worrying and troubling times in which citizens are living in fear of this monster called the “New Dispensation”. This monster is in overdrive. It is desperately trying to reverse history, trying desperately to panel beat our future. Stitching, patching up, concocting all kinds brew.

As the innocent sleep, the hollow men of this monster are busy gestating a horrible Frankenstein from the deep evil chambers of their dirty bowels.

The junta is plotting to assassinate people in this month of August, to burn people’s houses, to bomb our houses and to arrest the top leadership of our movement as they have done to our National Chairperson Thabita Khumalo.
This is indeed a dangerous period.

More than ever, Zimbabwe is being run by a group of men and women who are selfish, existential and will do anything legally and extra-legally to reproduce their rule.

As the MDC Students Council we are of the view that the crisis of legitimacy is in an incestuous relationship with the crisis of securocracy and violence. The crisis of legitimacy that was born of a stolen election and the crisis of militarization of the State born of a coup executed in November 2017 are both manifesting themselves through these abductions and arrests.

This junta did not derive consent to govern from the people. It is therefore trying to buy consent through the use of violence.

The junta is living on borrowed time.

You know it, we know it and they know it.

It is time.

Keep your faith and
keep your peace.

The winds of change are blowing.

Tamuka Gurure

MDC Students Council Spokesperson.