Hopewell Chin’ono, a renowned Zimbabwean journalist and anti-corruption activist, has condemned the President of Zimbabwe after the government deployed security forces just 10 days before Zimbabwe hosts the 44th SADC Summit in Harare.
The government has deployed soldiers in residential areas such as Zengeza in Chitungwiza and other suburbs to maintain peace and order.
Via his social media X (formerly known as twitter), Hopewell Chin’ono wrote the following:
“Zimbabwean dictator Emmerson Mnangagwa is turning Zimbabwe’s cities into military garrisons, deploying military hardware as he fears a potential uprising against his illegitimate and corrupt rule after years of looting and plunder.”
“This is happening in Zengeza, a township in the dormitory town of Chitungwiza, just outside Harare.”
“Since June, the dictator has jailed almost 100 pro-democracy activists as he cracks down on any alternative voices”.
“Mnangagwa and his surrogates, including relatives and friends, have looted billions of public funds, leaving hospitals without even basic supplies like paracetamol.”
“Mnangagwa has been accused of protecting gold and diamond smugglers, directing government officials to facilitate the sale of these precious resources on illicit markets especially in Dubai, and accepting bribes in exchange for his services.”
“All these things have been well documented in many media reports including a four part Al Jazeera documentary film called the Gold Mafia where his runners put all this on the record not knowing that they were being recorded.”
“The impact of these actions on Zimbabwe’s economy and its people cannot be overstated.
They not only siphon off vital public resources but also contribute to a global criminal network of bribery, smuggling, and money laundering, impoverishing communities in Zimbabwe and beyond.”
“All this repression is being done in the name of a SADC summit starting soon in Harare.”
