By Crime and Courts Reporter–Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association leader Andreas Mathibela has been targeted by the state for criticizing President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mathibela has been placed under surveillance by the Joint Operations Command (JOC), which has issued a cath and arrest directive to the police.
JOC, which comprises the CIO, Police, Army, Air force, and Prisons, is widely known for its role in the surveillance, abduction, and disappearance of anti-Zanu PF citizens under the guise of protecting national security.
Sources reveal that the security cluster, operating through the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), has instructed border officials at the Plumtree border post to alert the police if they spot Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association leader Andreas Mathibela attempting to leave the country.
Mathibela, like Blessed Geza—who is now in exile—has been vocal in his criticism of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule, demanding his resignation.
NewsDay has established that Mathibela has been placed on a government watch list.
A leaked letter from the President’s Department, addressed to the regional immigration officer at Plumtree, reads:
Ref: Request for Watch-List for Persons of Security Interest
This office kindly requests that you watch-list the following person of security interest, a Zimbabwean national: Ethan Mathibela.
Should the said individual present himself at Plumtree, Maitengwe, or Mphoengs border posts, your office is instructed to deny him exit and inform the President’s Department.
Your usual cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Mathibela confirmed he was aware of the watch-listing.
“Indeed, this is what we have gathered, and it is obviously concerning for me and my family, especially in case of any attempts to kidnap me,” he said.
“I am making arrangements to ensure my family’s safety.”
Teachers Declare Strike Amid Political Tensions
Amid escalating political tensions, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has called for a nationwide teachers’ strike on March 28, citing the government’s failure to address salary grievances despite the rising cost of living.
In a statement, ARTUZ demanded a minimum salary of US$1,260 for teachers and criticised the government for undermining genuine collective bargaining by negotiating through the National Joint Negotiating Council.
“ARTUZ urges all teachers to bypass these compromised unions and confront the employer directly through mass action,” the statement read.
“The March 28 strike is an opportunity for teachers to unite and demand fair wages without interference.”
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued a stern warning, stating that law enforcement would not tolerate any unlawful protests.
“We remind the public that any form of protest must be conducted within the confines of the law,” Nyathi told NewsDay.
“We will not tolerate violence, destruction of property, or disruption of peace. Those who incite or participate in illegal activities will face the full wrath of the law.
We urge citizens to remain peaceful and not be misled by individuals.”
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