No buyers for MDC demos

By Dorcas Rumano

The planned demonstration by the MDC, provisionally set for the 16th of this month, is failing to attract buyers as citizens express tiredness in engaging in hopeless confrontation with government.

According to a letter of notice written by the MDC-A National Organising Secretary, Amos Chibaya informing the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) of their intended protests, the demonstration is stemming from the 'national challenges' resulting from corruption, unemployment, high cost of living, power and fuel shortages among others.

MDC-T Deputy President, Obert Gutu lambasted the MDC-A for their planned unlawful uprising saying they are attempting to push an agenda of destruction and their personal interests.

"They are planning to kick off their violent and unconstitutional uprising on August 16, 2019. They think that Zimbabweans are stupid. They're not.

“People of Zimbabwe will never be used to satisfy the selfish, crude and destructive agenda of certain power-hungry idiots," said Gutu.

One netizen, Alfred Chokwadi warned the MDC-A members wishing to demonstrate to do so in a peaceful manner or else risk being arrested. Chokwadi posted on his twitter handle that, "In as far as you have the constitutional right to demonstrate, don’t be spotted on the wrong side of the law. Violence of any sort or nature is going to be thwarted. Forewarned is forearmed. Musazochema, this is awareness for you guys. On 16 August be responsible, don’t be a victim."

Emmanuel Johns took a dig at the MDC-A officials whom he accused of not abiding by the Constitution. Johns said, "Personally I doubt if ever MDC-A members abide by the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Demonstrations will never unseat a constitutionally elected Government, which is also still winning any other elections like the recently held by-election in Lupane. No to demonstrations."

The Government, through its Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) is already addressing most of the challenges mentioned in the MDC letter of notice. Already, the issue of corruption is being worked on as most senior Government officials accused of graft are being arrested.