Politically motivated violence in Zimbabwe 2000-2001
A report on the campaign of political repression conducted by the Zimbabwean Government under the guise of carrying out land reform
August 2001


Contents    « Prev    Next »

Annexes: Case Studies

Back to section J index

Section J - Selective justice

Statements allegedly made by members of MDC inciting violence

Morgan Tsvangirai, President of MDC

Addressing a large gathering of party supporters in Harare on 30 September 2000 Tsvangirai blamed the Mugabe government for the poverty in the country and said that the government was corrupt and incompetent. He urged the people to prepare for mass action against the government. He then said

"… what we would like to tell Mugabe today is that … please go peacefully. If you don’t go peacefully, we will remove you violently."

For making this statement in February 2001 Tsvangirai was charged with committing an act of terrorism in contravention of s 51 (2) of the Law and Order (Maintenance) Act [Chapter 11:07], an offence which attracts a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. In the alternative he has been charged with contravening s 58 of the Law and Order (Maintenance) Act, that is with incitement of public violence.

When the case started in the High Court the defence lawyer challenged the constitutionality of the act of terrorism offence. The High Court then referred the matter to the Supreme Court. This matter has not yet been dealt with by the Supreme Court.

Gibson Sibanda, Vice President of MDC

Speaking a rally in Bulawayo on 5 February 2001 Sibanda allegedly told his supporters that they should beat up ZANU (PF) supporters during the campaign for the presidential election. Sibanda has denied that he made this statement.

Sibanda has been charged with incitement to public violence. On 7 March 2001 Sibanda was further remanded by a Bulawayo Magistrate.

Nelson Chamisa, the MDC youth secretary

Speaking at an MDC rally in Harare on 2 February 2001, Chamisa allegedly incited party supporters to engage in violence against ZANU (PF) supporters. He denies that he so incited MDC supporters.

Chamisa has been charged with incitement to public violence.

TOP