By A Correspondent| The latest arrests of opposition political activists by the Mnangagwa regime is a follow up to a leaked security and intelligence document that revealed how he is plotting to silence perceived political opponents.
The plan targets mostly Zimbabweans within and outside the country and has seen some of the most vocal activists being detained and denied bail at the courts.
The document, based on the minutes of a Joint Operations Command (JOC) meeting compiled on August 20 last year and was copied to directors of the Zimbabwe Military Intel Corps (MIC), Air Force of Zimbabwe Intelligent Corps, Police Intelligence and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZCPS) Intel, revealed names of individuals who were under constant surveillance for allegedly working against and sabotaging the government.
“Following a JOC meeting on August 10, 2020 on the backdrop of ongoing incessant attacks on the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe … Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, the ruling party Zanu PF and the government of Zimbabwe by malcontents in Zimbabwe and in the diaspora who are working in cahoots with our erstwhile colonizers to destabilise Zimbabwe and pave way for an illegal regime change, it is hereby directed that all security services be on high alert and reinvigorate efforts to stop this growing anti-government campaign.
“This has reached a tipping point, therefore, those spearheading the campaigns should be tracked down, arrested and brought before the courts of justice. The campaigns are not only meant to foment violence and sabotage government ongoing efforts to revive the economy, but to subvert a constitutionally-elected government and replace it with foreign-funded opposition political parties. This is a direct assault on our national defence and security system. It has been established that the under-listed persons comprising opposition politicians, former Zanu PF members, ex-security services members, media personnel, activists, among others, have become security threats bent on soiling the image of Zimbabwe.” read the document.
Among those targeted are journalists Hopewell Chin’ono, Lance Guma, Mduduzi Mathuthu, Edmund Kudzayi and Simba Chikanza. Chin’ono has been arrested several times on flimsy charges while Guma and Chikanza are in the diaspora.
Political activists based outside the country remain at large. Appearing on the wanted list are Priscilla Chipaumire, Tonderai Murombo, Clever Nyengerai, Colen Zengeni and Rufaro Kaseke.
Also on the wanted list are ex security personnel who deserted and are accused of trying to destabilise the country by urging citizens through social media to revolt against the Mnangagwa regime.
Among them are Dickson Bandera, Wieslaw Kavhukatema, Bloom Tizora and Sibusisiwe Ncomanzi (all ex-Zimbabwe Republic Police). Other security personnel are drawn from the Zimbabwe National Army, the Central Intelligence Organisation and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.
Recent arrests of political activists and all opposing the Zanu PF led Government analysts say it is a follow up to the August 2020 meeting.