When I read this story last evening, immediately I was struck with the callous disregard that ZANU PF have of articulating themselves. Bright Matonga – the ‘comical Ali’ of Mugabe’s administration states that “it does not matter whether you are black or white, if you commit a crime you will be arrested“. If that is the case, then half of ZANU PF should be locked up – because they have committed serious crimes… and have yet to spend one hour in custody…
“Two white farmers arrested in Zimbabwe last week for being in contempt of court are out on bail.
The European Union (EU) tried unsuccessfully to visit the farmers in custody at the weekend. The EU ambassador waded in to secure the farmers release but this intervention failed.
EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Xavier Marchal, says at the same time there are some farm invasions that are being conducted in a manner that is casting doubt as regards the full legitimacy. Marchal says his involvement was inevitable as one of the farmers is an EU consultant in Zimbabwe. ZANU PF was quick off the mark, defending the country’s judiciary.
ZANU PF official Bright Matonga, says it does not matter whether you are black or white, if you commit a crime you will be arrested. He says the law will take its course and the Zimbabwe judiciary will not be threatened by such interference. The presiding magistrate – a beneficiary of land reform – was also vigorously defended. Matonga says the same applies to majority of our judges they have benefited from the land reform, but the have gone ahead and made judgments which are against the land reform programme. The EU imposed sanctions are set to end on February 20. The nation’s waiting to see whether the feuding parties in the unity government can find each other.”
Matonga’s utterances are as useless as the political party he defends. You cannot make sweeping statement like this if the truth of the matter is the exact opposite. Mugabe has members, activists and supporters of the MDC arrested and held in custody at will – and is surrounded by instigators, agitators, criminals and brigands that have bullied, beaten and battered the population whenever and wherever they wish.
Whilst Matonga’s statement is fuelled by the case against the farmers facing evictions, it is indicative of ZANU PF’s inability to govern on an even keel.
The land grab aside, Matonga is showing his true colours – the colours of Mugabe, and no matter which way you look at it, his deeds are tainted in the blood of others.
Matonga should stand by his own words. Isn’t he himself facing criminal charges relating to the death of another? How come the case has taken so long to be heard in court? Or, as a ZANU PF member, is the need to see justice for the victim’s family been pushed into a quiet corner somewhere?
If it weren’t so tragic, it would be laughable.
Robb WJ Ellis
The Bearded Man
