Zanu PF: Tsvangirai Faces Arrest Over Protest Calls

WASHINGTON DC —  Zanu PF said MDC T president Morgan Tsvangirai risked being arrested for allegedly inciting an uprising following weekend statements in Zhombe, Midlands North, where he urged Zimbabweans to be proactive in taking the government head-on as the economy continues to falter.

Tsvangirai told party supporters the economy has worsened following last year’s disputed elections, adding corruption is rampant in the government which is failing to pay civil servants on time.

He said over a million poor children are out of school because Zanu PF was allegedly looting funds meant for the Basic Education Assistance Module, BEAM.

Zanu PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo, while admitting that he was yet to see Tsvangirai’s alleged statement, said if the opposition leader said what was reported in the media, then the law should take its course.

Interview With Rugare Gumbo

In a statement issued by the MDC-T in response to Zanu PF’s call for Tsvangirai’s arrest, spokesman Douglas Mwonzora said, “The call by the ruling party for Tsvangirai’s arrest clearly displays embarrassing ignorance of Zimbabwe’s constitution on the part of Zanu PF.”

"We condemn that because the call for demonstrations is actually lawful. In terms of Section 59 of our constitution people have got the freedom to demonstrate and present petitions as long as the demonstrations are peaceful," Mwonzora said.

Interview With Douglas Mwonzora