HARARE – The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition has expressed concern over the recent statement by Zanu-PF Spokesperson, Christopher Mutsvangwa, regarding the release of opposition and human rights activists arrested ahead of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State Summit.
Mutsvangwa, this week, announced that the party would engage with the judiciary and the Home Affairs Ministry to secure the release of more than 100 detained activists after the summit’s conclusion on August 17, 2024.
“I’m sure there is enough reason to free them up soon after because there is no show to disturb. What they wanted to disturb is over.
“There is no reason to keep them at the State’s expense after failure. We reward their failure by giving them their freedom. I’m sure in the wisdom of the Minister of Home Affairs and Minister Justice, there will be a good reason to make sure they are free.
“We don’t punish failure by rewarding it with incarceration,” Mutsvangwa said.
The coalition viewed the statement as an admission of the government’s capture of the judiciary and weaponisation of the law, effectively suspending the Constitution.
The coalition described the move as an attempt to entrench political power and push the country towards a one-party state.
The organisation said the government previously ignored calls from local, regional, and international bodies, including the United Nations, to cease rights violations and release detained activists.
“It is important to note that previously the Zimbabwean government had ignored calls from local, regional and international bodies including the United Nations (UN) to desist from rights violations and release the detained activists,” the coalition said in a statement.
“Ambassador Mutsvangwa’s sentiments confirm the sad reality that capture of the judiciary and weaponisation of the law in Zimbabwe is the new order.
“The state has apparently suspended the Constitution as it moves to entrench political power and move the country towards a one party state and consequently, we continue to witness persecution of opposition and human rights activists through arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, abductions and torture.”
The coalition demanded that the government uphold citizens’ fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution and desist from authoritarian tendencies that violate democratic principles.
“A citizen centred movement aimed at pushing for constitutionalism is critical at this juncture.
“The coalition calls upon aĺl progressive forces to continuously mobilise at the local, regional and global level and unite in the fight against dictatorship and work towards establishing a democratic society that respects the rights of its citizens,” the coalition said.
More than 100 political activists, including pro-democracy campaigner Namatai Kwekweza and former cabinet Minister Jameson Timba, are currently detained for allegedly planning demonstrations against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s during the recently concluded SADC summit.
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