By Christopher Makaza
Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Sibusiso Moyo has said abductions currently experienced by Zimbabwe are being perpetrated by Government detractors whose intension is to tarnish the image of the country regionally, surprisingly coinciding with international events.
In a press statement Dr Moyo revealed that Government has since engaged security forces to make sure that Dr Mugombeyi is found safe.
“The Government of the republic of Zimbabwe has noted with concern the abduction of Dr Peter Mugombeyi from his house in Budiriro over the weekend. Following this barbaric act, the Government immediately activated the security agencies to make sure that Dr Mugombeyi is found and safely returned to his family.
“The Government under the new dispensation is totally averred to any practices that put the lives of any citizens in danger. We therefore find it very curious that whenever there is an impending international gathering or a high profile visit to Zimbabwe, these criminal acts are always perpetrated on our innocent citizens,” reads part of the statement.
Dr Moyo went on to say that, “It is still fresh in our minds that towards the SADC Summit in Tanzania last month, the country was gripped with numerous abductions of our citizens by people whose aim we can only believe was to tarnish the image of the country regionally, continentally and internationally. We have no doubt that the latest abduction of Dr Peter Mugombeyi was meant to coincide with the visit to Zimbabwe by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on rights to freedom of peaceful Assembly and Association.”
The special Rapporteur, Mr. Clement Nyaletsossi Voule will be in the country from, 17 to 27 September 2019 on a fact finding mission. In addition to this high profile visit, the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly also kicks off in New York today. These two events provide an opportune time for the new dispensation`s detractors to soil the country`s image.
Dr Moyo noted that as Government continues to spruce up the country`s image, it is unthinkable that any of its security agencies would be involved in such blatant criminal acts. “The visit by the United Nations Special Rapporteur was at the invitation of the Government way back in November 2018 as we feel we have nothing to hide. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has already assured members of the public that a team is investigating the abduction of Dr. Magombeyi,” said Dr Moyo.
Meanwhile Zanu PF National Youth Secretary, Pupurai Togarepi says some of these abductions are stage managed.
“Some of these dramas should come to an end. We cannot allow selfish interest to destroy the image of our Country. I hope our security forces will get to the bottom of these so called "Kidnappings" otherwise we will continue to be soiled by those with nefarious agendas,” he said.
Relatedly netizen, Charity Maodza tweeted, “FAKE abductions did not start today. In 2018, Chamisa tried to stage his own abduction but was exposed. Security services must investigate and arrest those behind the facade of fake abductions.
Another netizen, Welshman Chiraura posted on his twitter handle, “That visit by the UN Special Envoy is the reason we are witnessing the fake abductions and we will see even more. It all sums up the jecha politics.”
