Why are police persecuting Jestina Mukoko?

By Tendai Kwari

Why are the Zimbabwean police persecuting Jestina Mukoko…..AGAIN? Reports are saying that they summoned prominent rights activist, Jestina Mukoko, for questioning, weeks after a police raid on her organisation.

Is this a plan to intimidate the civil society ahead of the impending referendum vote and general elections? The treatment of human rights activists illustrates the Zimbabwean government’s intolerance of peaceful public demonstrations expressing criticism of government policies.

It also highlights the malicious use of the law, particularly the combination of the Public Order and Security Act and the Miscellaneous Offences Act, to allow arbitrary arrests and detentions and to facilitate a range of other human rights violations by the police.

History tells us that many have been arbitrarily arrested and detained in appalling conditions. As a form of punishment for their activism, some of those held in police custody have been subjected to torture and other ill-treatment and denied access to medical care, food and lawyers.

Already, the tale-tell signs are indicating that the impending elections are going to be bloody and violent. The government of our day has become an organization of violence based on no principle but the grossest tyranny.

Our government no longer take their stand on right or even on the semblance of justice. Intimidation is being used and represents the existing ruling party as something sacred and immutable.

This method is in use now in Zimbabwe. We have heard of unspeakable torture, and the great perfection of the means of getting rid of men and women for months, without killing them, by solitary confinement, where, hidden from the world, they perish and are forgotten.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement.”

We should not shed blood in Zimbabwe; enough blood has already been shed. Change is inevitable. When the time is ripe, change will happen. No one can hasten or halt it. We are reaching the end of an era.