Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) which is Zimbabwe and Mugabe’s main opposition party says that Mugabe, the veteran leader has “degrees in violence”.
The statement follows the moment when President Mugabe at a youth rally in Lupane on Friday urged his supporters to punish whoever perpetrates to be of his Zanu-PF party.
Returning from Singapore where the 93 year old had gone for medical treatment early this month, President Robert Mugabe came home to be informed that there were people going around perpetrating violence in the name of Zanu-PF, the ruling party.
“I am aware there are people going around causing violence saying they are from Zanu-PF,” said Mugabe addressing his supporters on Friday.
“If you see people being violent, seize them, come on. Hold them, get them out of the road and give them good punishment. You should not allow them spoil the name of our party,” Mugabe added.
“You don’t need to have to wait for the police … they are doing wrong, they are committing crime, come on, hold them and kick them. Give them the punishment they deserve and call the police afterwards.” – Mugabe advised his supporters amid cheers from the crowd.
Mugabe, who analysts say is already in the last phase of his campaign running for president of Zimbabwe for 2018, urged his supporters to meet violence with violence.
Different political leaders responded and reacted angrily to Mugabe’s remarks. Promise Mkhwananzi, the leader of Tajamuka, said that Mugabe was tacitly promoting violence ahead of 2018 polls.
“In our constitutional applications as Tajamuka, we stated that Mugabe was no longer fit to lead the Zimbabwe and we specifically cited the issue of violence. Following his latest incitement of violence, as youth leaders we will respond immediately by installing peace ambassadors across the country to protect the citizens of Zimbabwe from Mugabe’s violence,” said Mkhwananzi, responding to Mugabe’s violent remarks.
One of the political analysts, Rick Mukonza, predicted a violent 2018 election period.
“Violence has always been part of Mugabe’s broader strategy of power retention. He either approves it by not punishing the perpetrators of violence or encourage it openly by telling his supporters to engage in it against political opponents,” explained the analyst.
Mukonza said that Mugabe’s remarks are obviously to drive fear in to the hearts of his political opponents.
Another political analyst, Reward Mushayabasa also said that Mugabe’s remarks did not come as a surprise as this has been his strategy of clinging on to power for the all the years Zimbabwe has been independent.
Reporter: Shamilah Namuddu
