via Zanu PF supporters barred from Mugabe 21/10/2014
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe usually returns home from foreign trips to rousing welcomes by Zanu PF supporters and other proxy groups at the Harare International Airport.
But as Mugabe returned home from the Vatican on Tuesday, security details made sure party supporters did not get anywhere near the veteran leader.
The supporters were kept away from the airport after it was thought they would protest against Grace Mugabe who has stoked tensions in Zanu PF with sensational allegations of corruption against Vice President Joice Mujuru.
Grace also claimed, during her recent nationwide, that Mujuru was plotting to topple her husband because he was too old. Mugabe turned 90 this year.
The state-run Herald newspaper, which has been backing Grace in her feud with the vice-president, claimed that the protest was organised by Mujuru’s allies.
According to the publication Zanu PF Politburo member Tendai Savanhu, provincial chairman Amos Midzi and two other provincial executive members Christopher Chigumba and Noah Mangondo hired kombis to ferry the protesters to the airport.
The youths allegedly held placards with messages like: “Tichapedzerana (we will sort you out)”, “Dirai Rese Gamatox (intensify the poison)”, “Pasi nemakuhwa (down with gossip)” and “NaJonso Tichapedzerana (We will deal with Jonathan Moyo)”.
Savanhu however denied any protest had been planned.
“Would the country’s security just fold its arms and allow that to happen? Harare province organised a successful rally for the First Lady two weeks ago where she even united people. Why then would we want to demonstrate against her?”
According to Savanhu, the youths were told they could not welcome Mugabe back because the Vatican visit was a private trip for the president and his wife.
He however, said there was an attempt to tarnish the image of those thought to be in Mujuru’s camp.
“We know that there are some people who are pushing their agendas to try and tarnish our names,” he said.
COMMENTS