The European Union (EU) has joined local civic society groups in condemning ‘hateful rhetoric’ spewed mainly by senior members of the ruling Zanu PF party as the country draws closer to the much anticipated general elections slated for July this year.
By Charles Lotara
Opposition parties were last week left questioning the credibility of the upcoming polls following remarks by the Deputy Minister of Finance, Terrence Mukupe and Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Josiah Hungwe, suggesting that Zanu PF will not accept defeat in the forthcoming elections.
Mukupe was quoted saying, “How can we say, honestly, the soldiers took the country, practically snatched it from Mugabe, to come and hand it over to Chamisa? A child talking about spaghetti roads, who is talking about impregnating all women? This country, where it is now and where it is coming from, needs a grown up, a steady hand, a person who can stabilize things.”
The government later described the statements as ‘reckless’ and ‘unfortunate.’
In addition, Hungwe also caused political uproar when he told Zanu PF supporters in Chiredzi that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will shoot to stay in power.
“Do you know that I am the leader of the new dispensation here in Masvingo and I say this is our thing that we did. Our leader Mnangagwa is a soldier and you know that a soldier is always equipped with a gun to do whatever he wants. If you want to run away from him he can shoot you so you should always know that,” Hungwe was quoted by a provincial weekly newspaper as saying.
In response, the European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe Phillipe Van Damme said “If real news, hopefully unauthorized & definitely unlawful, reckless, improper, uncalled for and thus totally condemnable.”
Founder and Chairperson of #ZimbabweYadzoka/#MayibuyeiZimbabwe Dr. Victor Chimhutu called for stern action against Zanu PF leaders who use intimidatory tactics against vulnerable villagers in rural areas.
“It’s intimidation and especially in rural areas it works. It’s a strategy, not just isolated incidences. Mnangagwa is a master at using surrogate to achieve his objectives. This is not different,” he said.
Dr. Chimhutu added that, the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Philip Valerio Sibanda should make a public statement condemning the utterances saying it is the only way keep confidence in the electorate.
