Zimbabwe’s Home Affairs Minister, Kazembe Kazembe, has publicly defended the government’s crackdown on pro-democracy activists and opposition supporters, describing recent actions as necessary to maintain law and order. His statements come amid growing concerns over human rights violations and the continued detention of more than 100 activists without bail. Kazembe’s remarks also appeared to take a jab at ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, who recently suggested releasing detained activists after the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Harare.
Government Dismisses Claims of Judicial Manipulation
Kazembe dismissed suggestions that the Zimbabwean government wields undue influence over the judiciary and security services. Addressing journalists in Harare, he insisted that there is a strict separation of powers within the state. “We dismiss with contempt the assertions by certain quarters that the judiciary and security services can be manipulated,” he said. Also, he emphasized that the security sector remains committed to professional ethics and will resist any external interference.
These comments were seen as a direct response to Mutsvangwa, who implied that ZANU PF could influence security decisions. Mutsvangwa’s call for the release of detained activists, made after the SADC summit, hinted at possible political motivations behind the recent arrests. Kazembe, however, stood firm on the government’s stance, stating that any attempt to disrupt the operations of the security sector would not be tolerated.
Clampdown Sparks International Outcry
The government’s harsh measures against pro-democracy activists have attracted international condemnation. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has faced criticism from foreign diplomats and United Nations human rights bodies for what is perceived as an escalating crackdown on dissent. Furthermore, the detainment of activists without bail has fueled accusations of human rights abuses and a lack of judicial independence in Zimbabwe.
Despite this backlash, Kazembe defended the government’s approach, describing it as a necessary step to maintain public order. He criticized the detained activists as “misguided elements” who underestimated the government’s determination to uphold the law. “The security sector regrets the reckless abandon with which a few misguided local elements carried themselves,” Kazembe stated. “They underestimated our resolve to apply the law regardless of whether there are international events or not.”
No Compromise on National Security
Kazembe made it clear that the government would not compromise on its commitment to national security, even in the face of international criticism. Moreover, he argued that the activists’ actions posed a threat to societal stability and would not be tolerated. “We will not allow criminality and subversive inclinations of a few individuals to disrupt normal life for the majority,” he added.
The minister’s comments underscore the Zimbabwean government’s firm stance on maintaining control and suppressing dissent. As international pressure mounts, the government shows no signs of easing its approach. However, the situation remains tense, with many observers closely watching to see how the government will respond to growing calls for the release of the detained activists and a more open political environment.
Source: New Zimbabwe
