Zimpapers Logo

ABOVE: The long arm of the law finally caught up with Zanu-PF Harare Province Youth League chairperson Godwin Gomwe (right)) seen her entering the Harare Magistrates’ Court earlier this week. RIGHT: In happier times, Gomwe (left) joins First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe and then Harare Province chairman Amos Midzi on the stage during the Harare leg of her “Meet the People” tour last year

Lloyd Gumbo Mr Speaker, Sir

What is clear is that Zanu-PF’s image has been tarnished in Harare because of the extortionist behaviour of some of its officials, yet it has been slow to distance itself from such thugs or to reprimand them.

The recent arrest of that trigger-happy Zanu-PF Harare provincial youth league chairperson, Godwin Gomwe, after he abused First Lady Grace Mugabe’s name in his not so smart shenanigans, is just the tip of an iceberg on how people associated with the ruling party have sought to use the party’s name for self-aggrandisement as well as to disregard the law.

Mr Speaker Sir, by virtue of being the ruling party, Zanu-PF naturally dictates and must ensure citizens, particularly its officials, comply with and respect the laws of the country.

Unfortunately, some party activists and officials see their link to Zanu-PF as a passport to disregard the laws of the country by seeking to portray the revolutionary party as full of terror gangs.

Several stories are told of how Gomwe and his predecessor, Jimu Kunaka, and their terror gangs terrorised Harare residents and businesspeople demanding money for protection.

Farmers from Zanu-PF strongholds like Murehwa, Mutoko, Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe and Marondera have also not been spared when they bring their agriculture produce to Mbare.

Kunaka and Gomwe conducted all these terror-like activities under the banner of Zanu-PF but not with its blessings though the party is to some extent culpable of sins of omission.

For instance, these people were extorting using terror and would always hide behind the Zanu-PF logo despite the fact that the proceeds from their shameless activities were never forwarded to the party.

Mr Speaker Sir, one could argue that the name of the party, let alone joining it, was for some, just for convenience purposes so that they could loot using it.

What is clear is that Zanu-PF’s image has been tarnished in Harare because of the extortionist behaviour of some of its officials, yet it has been slow to distance itself from such thugs or to reprimand them.

It is understood that these terror activities went unmitigated as there was a veil of impunity enjoyed by people clad in party regalia.

With the flooding of party regalia in the country even thieves have used them to skip police roadblocks claiming that they are part of the system.

But Zanu-PF shouldn’t be seen that way.

Over the years, previous leadership in the capital had been accused of turning a blind eye on or approving terror activities as they shared proceeds from the same.

As a result of implied impunity for people linked to the party and Government, so much impersonation has been going on with people who have nothing to do with the CIO claiming to be members of the organisation.

At the end of the day, the revolutionary party loses supporters because using terror to attract voters is an old tactic that will not win votes in the 21st century.

Indeed, it was gratifying to hear party national commissar Saviour Kasukuwere warning such thugs that their days were numbered.

But the issue is not about Gomwe alone; there is a growing tendency by some people associated to the party to abuse their affiliation to Zanu-PF or Government to disregard the law.

They think that by being a Zanu-PF activist, a member of the security forces or MP puts them above the law.

Just last week a fairly young man clad in Zanu-PF regalia threatened a Joina City security guard after he politely advised him that loitering was not allowed around the building.

“Do you know who I am? Usandijairira ndinoenda newe ndikakunyudza,” said the seemingly agitated young man.

Fact is the security guard was doing his job, so to threaten him was uncalled for.

In fact, Mr Speaker Sir, there is this other growing tendency of people using the “Do you know who I am?” mantra to instil fear in other citizens even when they are carrying out their duties.

For instance, why should a member of the Central Intelligence Organisation or the army flash their identity cards when they get to a roadblock and they are asked for a driver’s licence or when they are told that their vehicle has a problem, as such they have to pay a fine?

On the part of the police, why do they put their hats or police reflector jackets on the dashboards of their pirate taxis?

Or why should an MP flash their parliamentary access card when they are stopped at a police roadblock for speeding?

I certainly do not understand why one flashes an unrequested identity card at roadblocks.

Yes, you are Zanu-PF or a member of the CIO but so what?

There are also others who go to police stations demanding that their followers or thugs who have been arrested be released just because one is a Zanu-PF MP.

There are so many transgressions going on in the country with impunity because the ruling party has not really been jealousy of its name.

It seems to have gladly accepted being abused given the way it has generally turned a blind eye to wrong things that are done in its name.

Mr Speaker Sir, charity begins at home, as such there is need for MPs to introspect and look at their sins of omission or commission in addressing this growing problem where the police are forced to disregard the statutes just because one is an MP.

 Feedback: [email protected]