Ethan Mathibela, chairman of the ZNLWVA, has been placed on a security watchlist by the CIO for opposing President Mnangagwa’s potential term extension. State Security Minister Lovemore Matuke warns against forthcoming protests, asserting that such actions will receive severe repercussions. A letter instructing border posts to prevent Mathibela’s exit was issued, amidst disruptions at his press conference.
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). This action follows his group’s opposition to the potential extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028, and their call for nationwide protests to address pressing issues such as the economic crisis and demands for government accountability.
State Security Minister Lovemore Matuke stated over the weekend that any planned demonstrations against President Mnangagwa would be met with decisive action. The CIO, which is overseen by Matuke’s ministry and the Office of the President, has been instructed to monitor Mathibela closely.
In a letter directed to regional immigration offices, it was explicitly requested that Mathibela be monitored and denied exit from the country if he attempts to cross at designated border posts. This memo emphasized the need to inform the President’s Department if Mathibela tries to leave.
In a further display of escalating tensions, unidentified youths interrupted Mathibela’s press conference at the Bulawayo Media Centre on Monday, demonstrating the climate of unrest surrounding these events.
In conclusion, Ethan Mathibela’s placement on a security watchlist reflects the increasing scrutiny faced by war veterans opposing government policies. The State Security Ministry’s firm stance against protests highlights the government’s commitment to suppress dissent. As tensions rise, the actions taken regarding Mathibela underscore the complexities surrounding political freedoms in Zimbabwe.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
