Information Minister Muswere warns opposition against ‘anarchy’ and ‘despondency’

TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA 

HARARE – Jenfan Muswere, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services and Acting Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, has warned opposition groups against attempts to “instigate anarchy and despondency.” 

He declared that those involved in “subversive activities” face imminent consequences.

Muswere’s comments come amid increasing demands for the release of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) faction leader and former senator Jameson Timba, along with 78 activists who have been in pretrial detention since June 16. 

On Thursday, Magistrate Ruth Moyo denied them bail, amidst a heavy armed riot police presence that reportedly harassed CCC supporters linked to Nelson Chamisa and some journalists covering the event.

“Government has observed attempts to instigate anarchy and despondency by some criminal and opportunistic elements in the opposition; some politicians and some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs),” Muswere said in a press statement.

“This is in line with their well-documented modus operandi to seek attention and raise funding to try to resurrect their political careers through subverting the will of the people.

“Therefore, as Government we are warning perpetrators of these serial choreographed theatrics who are involved in subversive activities aimed at undermining the rule of law that their days are numbered and that their lawless plans will never see the light of day.”

Muswere reaffirmed the Government's commitment to maintaining law and order, stating, “Law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to apprehend all those who undermine the justice delivery system through causing chaos and mayhem.”

He further cautioned the public that security forces are fully capable of maintaining law and order in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

Zimbabwe’s government has faced persistent accusations of human rights abuses, particularly against opposition leaders and activists. 

The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has documented 63 cases of state-sponsored torture from 2019 to May this year, with authorities often reluctant to prosecute perpetrators. 

The government frequently dismisses these claims but has not provided substantial counter-evidence. In the few instances where incidents have been acknowledged, little to no action has been taken against those responsible.