Maravi

Mugabe to retire once land is in hands of black majority

Mugabe to retire once land is in hands of black majority
By George Chellah in Harare, Zimbabwe
Saturday June 21, 2008 [04:00]

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has said he will only retire from office once he is sure that the land is truly and safely in the hands of the black majority in Zimbabwe. And the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has claimed that four of its activists, who were abducted in Harare's high-density suburbs of Chitungwiza, were found dead on Thursday morning.

Speaking on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) on Thursday, President Mugabe, who was addressing ruling party supporters in Tsholotsho and Nkayi in Matebeleland North Province, said he had to ensure that the land, which was stolen by the British settlers, was returned to the rightful owners before thinking of relinquishing power.

“Others are saying ‘this Mugabe, this old man does not want to let go’. I was left with a job, I will not leave until the land is in your hands,” said President Mugabe in a mixture of Shona and Ndebele, amidst laughter.

President Mugabe said he could not permit sellouts to mortgage the country.

“I don’t want to betray Umdala Wethu our big man Joshua Nkomo, Simon Muzenda, Nikita Mangena and others. That is why I am disappointed when people vote MDC,” President Mugabe said. “Once I am sure this legacy is truly in your hands, people are empowered, the land is in our hands without the British wanting to take over the land, then I can say... Aha, the work is now done.”

And MDC spokesperson Nelson Chamisa yesterday told The Post that four MDC youths were found dead after suspected ZANU-PF and state security agents abducted them in Chitungwiza the previous day.

“Yuana Jenti, Archford Chipiyo, Ngoni Knight and another who has only been identified as Tyson at the moment were found dead in the early hours of this morning Thursday with serious body injuries showing that they were heavily tortured until they died,” Chamisa said. “There is a sombre mood in Chitungwiza as the residents are failing to come to terms with these shocking deaths. The four were abducted at the MDC councillor for Ward 19, Councillor Philimon Chipiyo in Unit F.

“Archford is the son of the councillor. Just before the abduction, the home of the councillor along with four other houses in the area had been petrol-bombed by ZANU-PF thugs. The other house that was petrol-bombed is that of St Mary’s MP, Marvellous Khumalo.”

But police spokesperson chief superintendent, Oliver Mandipaka, dismissed the claims by the opposition political party that four of its youths were found murdered in Harare.

“We are not aware of any of those murders,” Mandipaka told the state media.

Mandipaka said the incidences of political violence had reduced throughout the country. However, he said there were a few isolated cases that were still being reported.

“We have been on the ground and managed to persuade party supporters to desist from violence and tolerate each other,” said Mandipaka.

Labels: LAND REFORM, MUGABE, ZIMBABWE

posted by MrK @ 3:49 AM