Makoni Says Charamba’s Comments ‘ Mugabe Doesnt Care About Dzamara’ Are Insensitive

FORMER Zanu PF politburo member and cabinet minister Simba Makoni has lashed out at President Robert Mugabe over remarks made by his spokesperson that the veteran leader was not concerned by the disappearance of activist Itai Dzamara.

Makoni, who is leader of Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn party, was part of the opposition leaders who gathered over the weekend to pray for the safe return of Dzamara.

The journalist-cum human rights activist went missing about four months ago after he was abducted by suspected state agents.

His case has attracted attention from the international community who are pressing for his safe return or at least an assurance that the state is making efforts to find him in accordance with a High Court order.

Local civic groups and political parties have expressed their sympathy with the journalist’s family.

But Tuesday, Charamba said Mugabe had no time for such cases.

Makoni said the comments were rabid and unfortunate as they were insensitive to the plight and trauma Dzamara’s family is going through due to the disappearance of their bread winner.

“Remarks by Charamba are untoward and unwelcome in our culture.

“How can he just say that Mugabe, as a president of this country, is unmoved by the missing of one of his citizens yet he is obliged to protect all the people living in the country?

“It shows that the state knows where Dzamara is hence they would want to act as if it is a forced disappearance which the state has no hand in. But the truth will come out one day,” said Makoni.

Charamba told the state media that the disappearance of Dzamara is one of the least worries for Mugabe. The veteran leader has left it to investigators who, for four months, have failed to make leads as to where the pro-democracy activist could be.

Mugabe’s spokesperson suggested that political parties advocating for Dzamara’s safe return were using the disappearance of the journalist to gain political relevance.

But Makoni said the fact that Mugabe does not care about Dzamara shows that he has does not have the people at heart.

He added: “The fact that we managed to meet and pray for his welfare shows that we care and we are hopeful that the state or anyone holding him will one day return him to us and reunite him with his people.”

MDC-T spokesman Obert Gutu said Mugabe’s remarks were reckless.

“At law Mugabe is obliged to protect every person in Zimbabwe regardless of their political affiliation.

“So for his spokesperson to state that Mugabe is not worried about the issue shows that he is heartless and reckless,” said Gutu.

Ahead of his disappearance, Dzamara was leading a demonstration against Mugabe demanding that he steps down, saying he had failed to run the country.

For his protests through the occupy Africa Unity Square, Dzamara was severely assaulted by the cops. source-newzimbabwe photo -Dr Simba Makoni, Mavambo/Kusile/ Dawn Party leaer-harare24