Ethan Mathibela, leader of the ZNLWVA, is on a security watchlist as he opposes President Mnangagwa’s term extension and calls for nationwide protests. State Security Minister Matuke warned against demonstrations, while police chief Mutamba indicated he could not authorize them. A leaked memo from the President’s office instructs border posts to prevent Mathibela from leaving the country.
Ethan Mathibela, chairman of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), has been placed on a security watchlist according to a leaked memo from the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) intended for border posts. Mathibela and his group oppose President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s potential extension of his term beyond 2028, advocating for protests to highlight economic issues and demand governmental accountability.
State Security Minister Lovemore Matuke indicated that any protests against Mnangagwa would be handled decisively. As part of the government’s efforts to control dissent, the CIO operates under Matuke’s ministry and the oversight of the President’s Office. Additionally, police chief Mutamba stated he lacks the authority to permit the planned demonstrations, diminishing hopes for their fruition.
A formal communication from the President’s office has instructed regional immigration officials to restrict Mathibela’s travel. The memo specifies that he is to be denied exit through border posts such as Plumtree, Maitengwe, or Mphoengs and mandates immediate reporting to the President’s Department should he attempt to cross.
On the recent Monday, an event at the Bulawayo Media Centre was abruptly interrupted by unidentified youths, showcasing the tense atmosphere surrounding Mathibela and his associates’ activities.
In summary, Ethan Mathibela’s designation as a person of security interest highlights the government’s intent to suppress dissent and manage public protests ahead of planned demonstrations against President Mnangagwa. The ongoing tension, marked by governmental restrictions and youth disruptions at Mathibela’s press events, underscores the precarious state of political expression in Zimbabwe. The intersection of state security measures with civil rights continues to be a central issue as the nation grapples with economic challenges.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
