Zanu-PF Responds to Julius Malema’s Criticism of Jacob Ngarivhume’s Imprisonment
HARARE , The Zimbabwean ruling party, Zanu-PF, has responded to criticism from Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in South Africa, over the imprisonment of activist Jacob Ngarivhume. In a statement released on social media, Zanu-PF’s director of Information Tafadzwa Mugwadi criticized Malema’s comments and disputed the reasons for Ngarivhume’s imprisonment.
Mugwadi accused Malema of being under the influence of drugs and stated that Ngarivhume had been convicted of inciting violence, rather than simply holding different political views. He also pointed out that there are many opposition leaders in Zimbabwe who hold different views to Zanu-PF but have not been imprisoned.
The response from Zanu-PF has been met with widespread criticism from activists and human rights groups, who have accused the ruling party of silencing opposition voices and suppressing dissent. Many have also questioned the credibility of the charges against Ngarivhume and suggested that they may have been politically motivated.
The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about human rights violations and the erosion of democratic values in Zimbabwe. It has also raised questions about the role of neighboring countries in promoting human rights and democracy in the region.
Malema has yet to respond to Mugwadi’s comments, but the EFF has previously been vocal in its support for human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe. The party has called for the release of all political prisoners in the country and for greater protection of free speech and opposition voices.
As the situation in Zimbabwe continues to evolve, it is clear that the imprisonment of Jacob Ngarivhume has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of accountability and transparency in government, as well as the need for greater protection of human rights and democratic values across the continent.
See Malema’s Post : I was shocked to hear that a Zimbabwean Government has jailed Jacob Ngarivhume @NgarivhumeJacob, for demanding accountability through picket lines on how Covid-19 funds were used in 2020 by kleptocratic politicians.
Sending an activist to 4 years imprisonment for simply holding different political views is pathetic.
Zimbabweans must learn to protect their own, particularly those who are the voice of the voiceless against the corrupt few. The truth will never be incarcerated; Africa we are one.