We are grateful for the support

WHILE Zimbabwe’s president Emmerson Mnangagwa said he was “appalled” by a televised report, showing abuses by security forces in a continuing crackdown, the President on Monday, on his official Twitter account, expressed his unhappiness over the video which was broadcast by Sky News and showed security forces hitting a man who had been arrested. Mnangagwa said he “instructed that the individuals behind this be arrested.”

For many people, the statement by the president does not reflect what is happening in the country at present. Berea Mail spoke to some of the people who supported the candlight vigil in support of the people of Zimbabwe at Jameson Park on Monday night.

*Lindiwe (not her real name): “I feel bad for the kids who are back home, they have nothing to eat as all the shops are closed. I fear for everybody. They are closing everything, not even thinking about the future. The young ones are not even going to school. A week ago we could not even get hold of our families back home, even now the network is not back. Yes people are able to communicate with their families but in the rural area of Mbare, the situation is very bad. It was only today that I received the news that my 15 year old nephew, was arrested and sentenced to 15 years for wearing an opposition party t-shirt. He knows nothing about politics, that t-shirt was given to him by a friend. Even those who are here in South Africa, we are scared to speak up because people say their government has agents this side. However, we are grateful about today’s gathering and wish that it could spread all over.”

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Liberty Kwanisayi: “We were hopeful that we are breaking away from Mugabe’s stronghold but now we are faced [with] Mnangagwa. We are saying to the people of Zimbabwe that they find each other and unite. We are not happy with the turn-out, but we remember those who lost lives fighting for justice and that encourages us that the struggle continues. There is no justice in Zimbabwe, we are planning another big march and this time it will be against the government of South Africa. We are also appealing to the people of South Africa to join us in solidarity to force this government to speak to the Zimbabwean government to stop abusing people. If they fail to do that we are going to shut down the border and give ZANU PF sleepless nights.”

Marshal Nhau: “We are living in fear, while the Emperor is busy playing the violin. Our future is at stake, we are calling on support from the SADEC countries. What is happening back home is bad, we all want fair opportunities, until we see the Zimbabwe we want, we will not stop.”

Tsungirirai Muchirikuenda: “We feel bad about what is happening back home and that we have not been able to communicate with our family back home. We are also aware why most of our fellow brothers and sisters did not come in their numbers, it is because they are scared for the lives of their families back home. We also feel encouraged by this gathering because it shows people care about what is happening in Zimbabwe.”

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