ZANU PF’S DESPERATE GRIP ON POWER: WILL FEAR WIN?

In Zimbabwe, the fight for democracy continues. The ruling party, ZANU PF, seems unwilling to let go of power. Recent arrests show that the government fears anyone who dares to speak out. When Job Sikhala and 39 others gathered in Penhalonga, they were arrested and silenced. Instead of listening to the people’s call for change, the government used force to intimidate them.

Job Sikhala, a known activist, and his colleagues were meeting to discuss the country’s future. They are part of the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), which aims to engage citizens. But the government saw this as a threat. By arresting them, ZANU PF tried to send a message. They want people to fear standing up against them.

Though Sikhala and the others were released, their leader, Engineer Joelson Mugari, was kept in jail. He was not allowed his medication, and his health became worse. After a lot of pressure, the police finally took him to a hospital. This shows how little ZANU PF cares about the well-being of Zimbabweans. They focus only on holding onto power.

The arrests were brutal. First, a vehicle from the Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) came to the meeting. After observing the group, the vehicle left. Soon, another vehicle arrived with police intelligence officers. It was clear something bad was about to happen. Trucks filled with riot police armed with guns then stormed the place. They beat and kicked people, showing no mercy.

One police officer even pointed a gun at Dr. Wurayayi Zembe, threatening to shoot him. Dr. Zembe remained calm, but the situation was alarming. In Zimbabwe, simply gathering to discuss the future can lead to life-threatening violence.

The activists were accused of breaking a law called the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA). But this law doesn’t apply to private meetings. ZANU PF doesn’t follow these rules for their own meetings, so why are activists treated differently? The ruling party uses laws as weapons against their opponents.

The arrested activists were treated poorly. They were forced into trucks during heavy rain and taken to a local police station. They had to sit on a dirty floor for hours. Then, they were moved to another police station, but no charges were made. Instead, a few people, including Sikhala, Mugari, and Dr. Zembe, were questioned. This is how ZANU PF tries to silence those who want change.

Inside ZANU PF, there are divisions. Leaders are fighting over who will take over in the future. The government fears that people are noticing their weaknesses. Instead of fixing Zimbabwe’s problems, they arrest activists. Instead of improving the economy, they use riot police. But these actions won’t stop Zimbabweans. People are tired of corruption and lies.

ZANU PF is desperate because it knows change is coming. Arrests, violence, and intimidation won’t stop the call for democracy. Zimbabweans won’t remain silent forever.

The question now is: how long will ZANU PF choose fear and violence over true leadership? The world is watching. No dictatorship lasts forever.