The ‘charming’ side of Mugabe was not in evidence when he addressed a splinter group of ‘war veterans’, padded out with bussed-in youths, at a hurriedly-arranged rally to denounce war veteran leaders who last week issued a statement condemning his regime.
‘Charming’ was the word used by a former British ambassador, Deborah Bronnert, some years back, after presenting her credentials to Mugabe see: (http://www.zimvigil.co.uk/the-vigil-diary/346-eu-undermines-hope-of-democratic-change-zimbabwe-vigil-diary-5th-november-2011).
She is not alone in being taken in by the psychopathic megalomaniac. The Vigil tired of hearing MDC ministers in the bogus coalition spouting the same deluded line.
‘Charming’ Mugabe certainly was not when he outlined the punishment he had in mind for the ‘treasonous’ war veteran leaders being rounded up by security agents.
‘We will punish them in a very big way’, he said, going on to recall how holes had been dug for enemies during the liberation struggle. ‘We kept them underground like rats . . . it is the same thing we are going to do here in Independent Zimbabwe’.
Mugabe added that the police belonged to Zanu PF and would be used to crush any protests by his enemies, especially church leaders dabbling in politics. ‘The police are ours and they shall see to it that these small party protesters are thrown in jail so they can taste the food there . . .’ (See: http://www.zimbabwesituation.com/news/zimsit-m-mugabe-in-brutal-crackdown-threat/.)
It appears that many police share this view. A contingent of police recruits said Mugabe was ‘the real angel Gabriel sent by God to deliver Zimbabwe and Africa’. They pledged their support for Mugabe at a passing out parade after a year of indoctrination at Morris Depot in Harare. ‘Like Jesus Christ, who was crucified by a people whom He saved, you have innocently grappled with all forms of persecution’, they declared.
‘Because of you, Zimbabwe is a land of peace and tranquillity, equity, equality, freedom, fairness, honesty and the dignity of hard work. You have been attacked for championing the cause of the people, justice and equality, for denouncing racial segregation, immorality, corruption, human rights abuse and violence’.
As war veteran leaders joined protesters in jail and ThisFlag pastor Evan Mawarire fled into exile, the Vigil believes Mugabe now has little chance of securing British support in his desperate attempt to persuade the International Monetary Fund to bail out his regime.
The British Ambassador Catriona Laing says the Zimbabwean authorities must honour their undertakings to uphold the rule of law and human rights.
‘In recent weeks we have seen the emergence of concerning videos of police brutality, and attacks by the government on apparently peaceful social media based movements. When combined with the ongoing failure of the police to enforce court orders around illegal land invasions, this paints a worrying picture’ (see: https://www.gov.uk/government/world-location-news/a-statement-on-united-kingdoms-support-to-the-people-of-zimbabwe).
The Vigil believes the ‘charm’ of the psychopathic megalomaniac has now faded like the allure of his idols Kim Jong-Il, Chairman Mao, Stalin and Hitler.
Other points
- ROHR and Vigil protesters demonstrated outside the London Embassy on Tuesday in support of the ROHR activist Lynda Masarire who was appearing in court in Mbare on trumped up charges. She was further remanded in custody until 11th August. The demonstrators rang the bell and slipped in posters to the surprised doorman. The Ambassador’s car ZIM 1 was parked outside with a window slightly open. The protesters pushed the remaining posters into the car before they left. Thanks to those who responded to the last minute call to protest: Rose Maponga, Chipo Parirenyatwa, Rashiwe Bayisayi and John Burke. We will be holding another protest outside the Embassy on 11th August in support of Lynda. For photos of the London protest, see: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/albums/72157671529481966.
- The Vigil was saddened to hear of the death two weeks ago of our dear friend Clifford Mashiri. A self-effacing. modest man, he was an academic and former diplomat and frequently attended the Vigil and our forums. He was doing a doctorate on activism in the UK diaspora and interviewed several of us for his thesis. He is to be buried on Tuesday 2nd August. The Vigil started a collection for his family which will be continued next week. More information can be found here: https://nehandaradio.com/2016/07/30/former-diplomat-mugabe-critic-clifford-mashiri-dies/.
- It was good to have with us founder Vigil member Bernita Siyadanga (formerly Magaya). Her 12-year-old daughter Tinotenda Muzuwa was with her. She was our first Vigil baby.
- London was flooded with cyclists today for the RideLondon 2016 event. Part of the route was along the Strand so the Vigil had a grandstand view of the races.
- Thanks to those who arrived early to help set up: Rashiwe Bayisayi, Maud Bvumbe, Benjamin Chigamba, Martin Chinyanga, Peter Gonera, Rosemary Guveya, Barbara Kachidza, Fungayi Mabhunu, Phillip Mahlahla, Sharon Moyo, Bianca Mpawaenda, Roseline Mukucha, Alfredy Mukuvare, Mduduzi Ndlovu and Salom Nkiwane. Thanks to Roseline, Sharon and Rosemary for looking after the front table and to Gift Moyo for handing out ROHR leaflets. Thanks also to Phillip, Alfredy, Mduduzi and Benjamin for putting up and taking down the banners.
For latest Vigil pictures check: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/. Please note: Vigil photos can only be downloaded from our Flickr website. For videos of Vigils and other events, check the ROHR facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/www.rohrzimbabwe.org/videos?fref=photo.
FOR THE RECORD: 38 signed the register.
