by Gift Mashoko

Shutting down of the Internet by government following the opposition`s so called national shut down which led to vandalism of buildings and looting of shops is justified.

Internet has been used as a means of communication and this has turned the world into one global village. This has been through the use of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Instagram just to mention a few.

However, some social media bullies have misused the internet through posting nefarious posts and mobilising citizens to engage in violent demonstrations to topple the government.

It is because of this misuse of the internet that led the Zimbabwean Government to shut down its internet during the national shut down to avoid coordination of rogue elements whose main agenda is to subvert government. This Internet shut down was therefore meant to prevent unpatriotic citizens from communicating and organising more violent acts which are leading to loss of lives.

It is through these platforms that violence started in different parts of the country. To a larger extent, the internet shut down neutralised and toned down these violent demonstrations.

I hear people saying that blocking the internet was a violation of their human rights. The problem is that people take advantage of and abuse the freedom they would have been afforded.

In Zimbabwe, people are abusing the freedoms they are being afforded by the Government. Just as the opposition political parties abused their political freedom. It is up to the Government to make and change laws. This blocking is justified because people end up sending videos and pictures that are not suitable for everyone.

Let us just have respect for each other and our leaders and not abuse the internet.