Paul Nyathi

ZANU PF spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa has Unwarrantedly castigated MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa for what he says is being a “shameless liar” after the opposition leader rightfully blame the Government for the demolitions of houses in the suburb of Budiriro in Harare.

While addressing journalists at the Politburo meeting on Wednesday, acting Chinamasa said Chamisa should not try to hide behind a finger.

“Let me put the record straight, the demolitions were sought and carried out by the MDC-A ran municipality but what surprises us is that Mr Chamisa, fully aware that his council was behind the demolitions went and sought to blame it on the central government, a complete falsehood, a complete lie. The record is very clear”.

Chinamasa said the ruling party had made it clear that they would be no demolitions until and unless alternative accommodation has been found.

“We were not aware that despite those pronouncements on our part, the municipal council of Harare would go ahead, with the blessing of their leader Mr Chamisa and demolish without offering alternative arrangements.

“We are aware that they had gone and sought a court order.

“I want to believe what colleagues of Mr Chamisa say about him that he is opportunistic.

“He lacks moral fibre to accept that they erred in demolishing houses.

“He clearly has no regard for the truth and we condemn this lack of principle in the strongest terms,” Chinamasa said.

Chamisa early this week described the demolition of houses, which exposed residents to rains and diseases as “cruel and heartless” and criticised the government saying that it behaves in an unpleasant old fashioned manner.

Chamisa toured the demolished houses in Budiriro high-density suburb in Harare where he came face-to-face with desperate residents, who had been sleeping in the open for days after their houses were razed down.

Over 150 houses were demolished in Budiriro, leaving hundreds of people, including children in the open.

Property worth thousands of dollars was also destroyed in the process.

Chamisa accused government of masterminding the demolitions.

“The council is under control of spooky and shadowy forces that are ruthlessly driving an agenda to punish the people. Council has no police, no teargas canisters and it is clear it is the State that gave the police the greenlight to fight the people. What we can see is the visible hand of the State interfering with the operations of the councils,” Chamisa said.

“It is a pattern of corrupted governance software where you use force and violence even where it is not called for. Why were the houses allowed to be built in the first place? Why inflict pain when the weather conditions are unfavourable and the rains are upon us. Can’t you spare a thought for kids and parents?

“The heartless and cruel demolition of citizens’ homes is a violation of the dignity and security of persons. This command politics based on iron-fisted governance style must be resisted by us all. Those responsible please stop it,” he said.