The MDC notes with concern attempts by Zanu PF to derail the party’s efforts to provide the people of Zimbabwe with a new information platform launched last week. The audio service, dubbed the Voice of Real Change, is meant to give the people of Zimbabwe a new and exciting platform to know what is happening in the country and in their party.
However, the service has since been terminated and suspended after Zanu PF, through the regulatory authority put pressure on Econet to block some of the lines used for the service.
Within three days of operation, Zanu PF threatened cellular phone service providers, Econet Wireless, Net-One and Telecel with closure following the MDC’s use of cellular lines for the audio service. It is heartening to note that the other lines, Net-one and Telecel lines used in the audio service have not been blocked and continue to operate without any hindrances. The Telecel and Net-one numbers such as 0734142600 and 0713 102 917 have not been blocked.
It is telling to note that our service was disrupted hard on the heels of a threat to one of the cellular phone service providers by one Nathaniel Manheru, who is widely believed to be a senior but misguided civil servant in the Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Zimbabweans still top global asylum seeker list despite GNU
In the clearest indication yet that the formation of the unity government has done little to change the situation in Zimbabwe, a new report has shown that Zimbabweans still top the world list of asylum seekers.
The report by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) was released last week and is based on findings during 2009, the first year of life under a coalition government in Zimbabwe. The report: 2009 Global Trends - Refugees, Asylum-seekers, Returnees, Internally Displaced and Stateless Persons, shows that more than 158 000 Zimbabweans had applied for asylum last year alone. The report cites “political and economic turmoil” and “uncertainties” over the fragile coalition government as key reasons behind the numbers fleeing the country, a figure which is three times higher than the next list-topping country, Burma. Zimbabwe’s figures were also alarmingly higher than those of war-torn countries like Afghanistan and Somalia.
The report by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) was released last week and is based on findings during 2009, the first year of life under a coalition government in Zimbabwe. The report: 2009 Global Trends - Refugees, Asylum-seekers, Returnees, Internally Displaced and Stateless Persons, shows that more than 158 000 Zimbabweans had applied for asylum last year alone. The report cites “political and economic turmoil” and “uncertainties” over the fragile coalition government as key reasons behind the numbers fleeing the country, a figure which is three times higher than the next list-topping country, Burma. Zimbabwe’s figures were also alarmingly higher than those of war-torn countries like Afghanistan and Somalia.
The worst dictators
An US organisation which prepared the failed states index has also listed 23 leaders of countries as the worst dictators.
The names and a brief description of them follows:
The worst dictator is Kim Jongil of North Korea, according to the listing prepared by the Foreign Policy/Fund for Peace Failed States Index (FSI).
1.KIM JONG IL of North Korea: A personality-cult-cultivating isolationist with a taste for fine French cognac, Kim has pauperized his people, allowed famine to run rampant, and thrown hundreds of thousands in prison camps (where as many as 200,000 languish today) -- all the while spending his country's precious few resources on a nuclear programme. Years in power: 16
2.ROBERT MUGABE of Zimbabwe: A liberation "hero" in the struggle for independence who has since transformed himself into a murderous despot, Mugabe has arrested and tortured the opposition, squeezed his economy into astounding negative growth and billion-per cent inflation, and funnelled off a juicy cut for himself using currency manipulation and offshore accounts. Years in power: 30
The names and a brief description of them follows:
The worst dictator is Kim Jongil of North Korea, according to the listing prepared by the Foreign Policy/Fund for Peace Failed States Index (FSI).
1.KIM JONG IL of North Korea: A personality-cult-cultivating isolationist with a taste for fine French cognac, Kim has pauperized his people, allowed famine to run rampant, and thrown hundreds of thousands in prison camps (where as many as 200,000 languish today) -- all the while spending his country's precious few resources on a nuclear programme. Years in power: 16
2.ROBERT MUGABE of Zimbabwe: A liberation "hero" in the struggle for independence who has since transformed himself into a murderous despot, Mugabe has arrested and tortured the opposition, squeezed his economy into astounding negative growth and billion-per cent inflation, and funnelled off a juicy cut for himself using currency manipulation and offshore accounts. Years in power: 30
Thursday, June 10, 2010
US slams rising violence in Zim
The United States on Wednesday condemned a recent wave of arrests of leaders of Zimbabwe's embattled civil society, as well as signs of burgeoning violence around the country.
Indications are growing that President Robert Mugabe's police and intelligence agents are cracking down on outspoken civic groups and pro-democracy parliamentarians.
The crackdown comes ahead of the start of a critical operation by the power-sharing government to seek public opinion on the drafting of a new constitution.
A statement issued by the US embassy to Zimbabwe on Wednesday referred to the US' concern over the arrest of NGO leaders, referring in particular to Farai Maguwu.
Maguwu, the director of an organisation that has helped expose widespread violence by police and soldiers in Zimbabwean diamond fields against illegal diggers, was arrested last week.
He was accused of publishing statements prejudicial to state security over the alleged killing and torture of hundreds of diggers in 2008.
Lawyers said that in the last three weeks, three MPs from the Movement for Democratic Change - which is in a coalition government with Mugabe's Zanu-PF party - had been arrested on charges of insulting 86-year-old Mugabe.
The US also raised the case of the arrest and alleged torture two weeks ago of two employees of Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe, the country's gay movement, after a pornographic DVD was allegedly found in the organisation's office during a police raid.
The embassy said it was also concerned by reports from human rights groups of increased political violence around the country.
Indications are growing that President Robert Mugabe's police and intelligence agents are cracking down on outspoken civic groups and pro-democracy parliamentarians.
The crackdown comes ahead of the start of a critical operation by the power-sharing government to seek public opinion on the drafting of a new constitution.
A statement issued by the US embassy to Zimbabwe on Wednesday referred to the US' concern over the arrest of NGO leaders, referring in particular to Farai Maguwu.
Maguwu, the director of an organisation that has helped expose widespread violence by police and soldiers in Zimbabwean diamond fields against illegal diggers, was arrested last week.
He was accused of publishing statements prejudicial to state security over the alleged killing and torture of hundreds of diggers in 2008.
Lawyers said that in the last three weeks, three MPs from the Movement for Democratic Change - which is in a coalition government with Mugabe's Zanu-PF party - had been arrested on charges of insulting 86-year-old Mugabe.
The US also raised the case of the arrest and alleged torture two weeks ago of two employees of Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe, the country's gay movement, after a pornographic DVD was allegedly found in the organisation's office during a police raid.
The embassy said it was also concerned by reports from human rights groups of increased political violence around the country.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Female Zanu (PF) youths a terror
Female Zanu (PF) youths were trained to terrorise suspected MDC supporters in the run up to June 27, 2008 presidential elections, and some lived to tell the tale of attacks at their hands. (Pictured: – Inspirational MDC-T supporter Betty Amidu Kachichidza.)
Marondera resident and MDC-T supporter, Betty Amidu Kachichidza (42), explained how she narrowly escaped death at the hands of a female Zanu (PF) thug.
“It was one night in 2002 when I was asleep in my house in Dombotombo. I was woken up by a loud noise from people forcing my door open. My children were asleep in the room.
“To save my children from imminent death, I went to the room to challenge and possibly fight off the thugs. A group of youths numbering more than 50 including Garikayi Nyamakombo and Juliet Kanchito of 42 Kuwe Street, grabbed and whisked me to a nearby truck.
Salt in her wounds
“They started beating me up. Juliet Kanchito hit me with a sharp metal object on the head, legs and arms. I lost consciousness and they drove me to Dombotombo dam, where they intended to dump me. They rubbed salt into my wounds, to increase pain. I had never experienced or heard about such inhumane brutality.
“Meanwhile, one of my tenants, Tendayi Nyamuzhira, had rushed to report the incident to MDC-T ward chairperson, Johannes Razunguza. Razunguza and Nyamuzhira in the company of other party activists braved the danger and came to my rescue. The thugs fled leaving me for dead.
“Nyamuzinga and other sympathizes, rushed me to Borrowdale hospital for treatment. Given my critical condition, I was transferred to Harare for specialist treatment. I was admitted to hospital for several months because part of my brain was damaged. My hands and legs were badly hit by what appeared to be a machete. I could not believe females could be so heartless and dangerous.
“During my stay in hospital, Nyamuzhira, whom I regard as my hero, took care of my children. She provided them with food and other requirements. May god bless her with long life. I also owe my life to councillor Razunguza and other party activists who selflessly saved me.
“I was discharged from hospital in a wheel chair. My body was paralyzed. I later walked with the aid of clutches. No one believed I would walk again. My right arm remains supported with some metal devices from within. Sympathy from fellow MDC-T supporters and my belief in the struggle for democracy, gave me strength and hope. I remain convinced that dictatorship is about to fall and democracy will prevail in the country.
Freedom from tyranny
“Since I have gained fitness, I am back in the trenches fighting for democracy. The struggle for freedom from tyranny is my life. Nothing will scare me off from the justified and worthy cause.
“MDC-T as a caring people’s party is doing its best to ensure my family has food on the table. Though I do not expect to be rewarded for participating in the people’s struggle, I would like to commend President Morgan Tsvangirai and his elected officials at all levels, for acknowledging our contribution and sacrifices in the fight against dictatorship.
“My assailants, Juliet, Garikai and others continue to roam about scot-free. I hope the national healing process will run its full course. Perpetrators of violence must face justice, if the national healing exercise is to bring any lasting solutions to political polarization in the country”.
Perpetrators of violence such as Garikai continue to threaten Betty with death. Just last week, Garikai reminded her at Tutani Shops that she would be attacked again if she did not shift her political allegiance to Zanu (PF). Despite the threats, she remains a permanent and outstanding figure at MDC-T gatherings around the province. Like any other MDC-T supporter, Betty is calling on people to exercise restraint and political tolerance as they prepare the constitution and eventual elections. She has confidence that MDC-T president Morgan Tsvangirai, Senators, Members of Parliament and councillors will romp to a resounding victory.
Marondera resident and MDC-T supporter, Betty Amidu Kachichidza (42), explained how she narrowly escaped death at the hands of a female Zanu (PF) thug.
“It was one night in 2002 when I was asleep in my house in Dombotombo. I was woken up by a loud noise from people forcing my door open. My children were asleep in the room.
“To save my children from imminent death, I went to the room to challenge and possibly fight off the thugs. A group of youths numbering more than 50 including Garikayi Nyamakombo and Juliet Kanchito of 42 Kuwe Street, grabbed and whisked me to a nearby truck.
Salt in her wounds
“They started beating me up. Juliet Kanchito hit me with a sharp metal object on the head, legs and arms. I lost consciousness and they drove me to Dombotombo dam, where they intended to dump me. They rubbed salt into my wounds, to increase pain. I had never experienced or heard about such inhumane brutality.
“Meanwhile, one of my tenants, Tendayi Nyamuzhira, had rushed to report the incident to MDC-T ward chairperson, Johannes Razunguza. Razunguza and Nyamuzhira in the company of other party activists braved the danger and came to my rescue. The thugs fled leaving me for dead.
“Nyamuzinga and other sympathizes, rushed me to Borrowdale hospital for treatment. Given my critical condition, I was transferred to Harare for specialist treatment. I was admitted to hospital for several months because part of my brain was damaged. My hands and legs were badly hit by what appeared to be a machete. I could not believe females could be so heartless and dangerous.
“During my stay in hospital, Nyamuzhira, whom I regard as my hero, took care of my children. She provided them with food and other requirements. May god bless her with long life. I also owe my life to councillor Razunguza and other party activists who selflessly saved me.
“I was discharged from hospital in a wheel chair. My body was paralyzed. I later walked with the aid of clutches. No one believed I would walk again. My right arm remains supported with some metal devices from within. Sympathy from fellow MDC-T supporters and my belief in the struggle for democracy, gave me strength and hope. I remain convinced that dictatorship is about to fall and democracy will prevail in the country.
Freedom from tyranny
“Since I have gained fitness, I am back in the trenches fighting for democracy. The struggle for freedom from tyranny is my life. Nothing will scare me off from the justified and worthy cause.
“MDC-T as a caring people’s party is doing its best to ensure my family has food on the table. Though I do not expect to be rewarded for participating in the people’s struggle, I would like to commend President Morgan Tsvangirai and his elected officials at all levels, for acknowledging our contribution and sacrifices in the fight against dictatorship.
“My assailants, Juliet, Garikai and others continue to roam about scot-free. I hope the national healing process will run its full course. Perpetrators of violence must face justice, if the national healing exercise is to bring any lasting solutions to political polarization in the country”.
Perpetrators of violence such as Garikai continue to threaten Betty with death. Just last week, Garikai reminded her at Tutani Shops that she would be attacked again if she did not shift her political allegiance to Zanu (PF). Despite the threats, she remains a permanent and outstanding figure at MDC-T gatherings around the province. Like any other MDC-T supporter, Betty is calling on people to exercise restraint and political tolerance as they prepare the constitution and eventual elections. She has confidence that MDC-T president Morgan Tsvangirai, Senators, Members of Parliament and councillors will romp to a resounding victory.
ZANU PF's violence
Reports have been made country-wide that Zanu (PF) has stepped up its intimidation tactics ahead of the constitution making process set to kick off next month. This week a high-level undercover delegation was sent into Epworth, a shanty town on the outskirts of Harare, by the Union for Sustainable Democracy.
The findings shocked members. “We were dismayed by repeated accounts of how Zanu (PF) thugs are threatening to mete out violence on anyone who defies their formula for the constitution-making process,” Epworth residents spoke emotionally about how people in Epworth have been ordered by Zanu (PF) thugs to report for political meetings against their will.
The message, they said, has been a very simple one: ‘Shut up and leave the task of responding to questions to those who have been selected to do so’.
The findings shocked members. “We were dismayed by repeated accounts of how Zanu (PF) thugs are threatening to mete out violence on anyone who defies their formula for the constitution-making process,” Epworth residents spoke emotionally about how people in Epworth have been ordered by Zanu (PF) thugs to report for political meetings against their will.
The message, they said, has been a very simple one: ‘Shut up and leave the task of responding to questions to those who have been selected to do so’.
Police abduct farmer's wife
Gary and Jane Sharp who had been evicted from their farm in the Shamva area won a court case last wednesday allowing them to return to their farm and collect their belongings.
No sooner had Mrs Sharp walked out of the Court, when she was bundled into a police van and taken to Shamva Police station where she was held in the Charge office overnight. Her husband was told that if he wanted his wife free he must sign his farm over
On Friday 29 May 2010, a group of between 30 – 50 Zanu-PF youth spent the day trashing and looting the homestead of Mrs Helen Newmarch who has a small farm approx 7 kms from Marondera on the Harare road. Helen was widowed many years ago and has brought up her four children by continuing to farm on her own.
No sooner had Mrs Sharp walked out of the Court, when she was bundled into a police van and taken to Shamva Police station where she was held in the Charge office overnight. Her husband was told that if he wanted his wife free he must sign his farm over
On Friday 29 May 2010, a group of between 30 – 50 Zanu-PF youth spent the day trashing and looting the homestead of Mrs Helen Newmarch who has a small farm approx 7 kms from Marondera on the Harare road. Helen was widowed many years ago and has brought up her four children by continuing to farm on her own.
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