By Political Reporter
MDC Alliance Secretary General Charlton Hwende has exposed some rogue Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) officers for working in cahoots with his party to treat jailed activist Makomborero Haruzivishe with kids’ gloves.
A source who spoke to this publication said Hwende visited Makomborero’s father in Masvingo last week and assured him that his son was in the safe hands of some ZPCS officers.
“Hwende together with Organizing Secretary Amos Chibaya, Youth leader Obey Sithole and National Executive Committee (NEC) member Happymore Chidziva, visited Makomborero’s father last week and assured him not to worry about his jailed son as the party has engaged some ZPCS officers to take good care of him while in prison. Hwende told Mr Haruzivishe that the party was paying some ZPCS officials to make Makomborero’s stay in prison as comfortable as possible. The SG (Hwende) also told Makomborero’s father that his son was a hero who should be praised for standing up for the rights of the citizens,” said the source.
The source disclosed to this publication names of the six ZPCS officers who have allegedly been recruited by the MDC Alliance to serve Makomborero while in prison.
According to the same source, Hwende later gave Makomborero’s father US$20.
However, in an interview with this publication, the frail looking Makomborero’s father dismissed Hwende’s visit as nothing but cheap political grandstanding.
“Yes they (Hwende and team) were here to console me following the arrest of my son. I told them that I am angry at their party for risking the life of my son. I know that Mako could not do what he did without pressure from his party leaders,” said Makomborero’s father.
Mr Haruzivishe further castigated the MDC Alliance leadership for giving him a paltry US$20.
“How can they drive from Harare to Masvingo to give me just US20? Do they think that I am that poor to be consoled with such an amount?” added Mr Haruzivishe.
Mr Haruzivishe further revealed that his son had neglected him and he last visited his home area some two years ago.
The 28 year old Makomborero was jailed for 14 months for inciting public violence and resisting arrest.