North America Province Statement on illegal arrests and harassment of Opposition Members July 10 2019.

MDC NAP registers its displeasure on the illegal and unwarranted persecution of MDC and other opposition members. MDC NAP has noted the worrying trends of illegal arrests and detention on frivolous charges of many human rights defenders that is worsening in Zimbabwe. Hon Job Sikhala becomes the 21st Zimbabwean charged with subversion, a charge meant nothing else but to silence him. Gift Ostallos Siziba currently being charged with inciting violence, is another bad turn Zimbabwe is taking where it’s citizens are muzzled and forced into silence.

As MDC NAP we call upon Zanu PF and Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop these political persecutions and rather focus on addressing challenges bedevilling the country. It is these unattended challenges that are brooding discontent among citizens. It is their failure to turn around the fortunes of the country that is making their regime unpopular and resented by the public.

We therefore demand the unconditional release of all political prisoners and a change of focus that will save the country from running further into a rabbit hole.

We urge Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign as he has clearly failed to utilise the stolen chance to lead. The situation obtaining in Zimbabwe if unresolved has over matured to ignite insurrection from the ordinary people which will be unfortunate and avoidable by doing the right thing. Zimbabweans have been patient and they should be respected for that. Their patience should not be abused but rather respected.

It is our duty to lobby the international community and we will continously do such until change come.

Tawanda Svosve Dzvokora
NAP Chairperson