HARARE, Aug 5 (NNN-AGENCIES) —Zimbabwe’s president has vowed to “flush out” his opponents as anger with his government grows over alleged corruption and economic mismanagement.
Attempts by “a few rogue Zimbabweans” to destabilise the country in “league with foreign detractors” would be overcome, Pres Emmerson Mnangagwa added.
In a televised address, Mnangagwa condemned the “machinations of destructive, terrorist opposition groupings”.
“Those who promote hate and disharmony will never win. The bad apples that have attempted to divide our people and to weaken our systems will be flushed out. Good shall triumph over evil,” he said.
Mnangagwa added that his government had faced many hurdles since taking office following the ousting of long-time leader Robert Mugabe in 2017, but it would remain resolute.
“We will defeat the attack and stop the bleeding of our economy. We will overcome attempts at the destabilisation of our society,” he said.
More than 20 people have been arrested since last week when an anti-government protest was blocked, lawyers say.
Images of security forces beating civilians have prompted global outrage.
#ZimbabweanLivesMatter has trended on Twitter, with celebrities – including South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, who is popularly known as AKA – supporting the campaign.
Award-winning Zimbabwean author Tsitsi Dangarembga, a nominee for this year’s Booker Prize, was among those detained for taking part in a protest on Friday in defiance of a police ban.
She was released on bail after being charged with incitement to commit violence and for breaching health regulations introduced to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono is still in detention after being arrested and charged last month with inciting public violence.
He had exposed alleged corruption in the health ministry during the purchase of medical supplies to tackle the virus.
His arrest was condemned by the US government and UN officials. — NNN-AGENCIES
