11 June 2020

STATEMENT ON THREATS AGAINST MDC ALLIANCE, CIVIL SOCIETY. CHURCH & PRO-DEMOCRACY FORCES BY THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL

On the evening of the 10th of June 2020, the Working Committee of the National Security Council of Zimbabwe convened in terms of s209 of the Constitution issued a statement concerning “rumours of an imminent coup d’etat in Zimbabwe.”

The statement accuses the legitimate oppostion movement of engaging in an externally sponsored regime change onslaught since 2000 and of “irregular warfare”, “terrorism” and “insurgency”.

The Council attacks our Vice-Chairperson, Hon Job Sikala, the church, civil society, and other pro-democracy forces. It further accuses the opposition of faking abductions as part of this alleged warfare.

The Council’s statement strikes at the heart of democracy in Zimbabwe and is the latest in a series of co-ordinated and incessant attacks on the MDC Alliance.

The statement comes shortly after Minister Kazembe made defamatory claims against the person of the President in his statement on the abduction of the MDC trio.

It also follows the unwarranted arrest of Vice-Presidents Biti and Kore and leaders of the National Standing Committee for requesting police assistance to enter their party offices.

This is against the backdrop of spurious allegations against Secretary-General Hwende about the alleged petrol bombing of a car, the arrest of National Youth Assembly Chairperson, Obey Sithole, on unfounded allegations of public violence, and the continued harassment of several party members in meritless court cases on charges of subversion.

We have also witnessed the re-arrest of Alliance Youth Assembly members, Joanna Mamombe, Cecillia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova on allegations that they obstructed the course of justice by making a false report relating to their abduction, torture and sexual assault three weeks ago. The perpetrators of their torture are yet to be earnestly investigated.

We reiterate the call for an independent investigation into the crimes committed against them.
The world most be on notice that, as the national crisis deepens, the state is at war with its citizens.

The continued erosion of our rights and freedoms signals a clear intent to return the nation to one-party rule.
However, we remain firm in our resolve to win Zimbabwe for change.

Fadzayi Mahere National Spokesperson
Change That Delivers