Posted by 
HARARE – President Robert Mugabe could be paving the way for allies and himself to avoid future punishment for past political violence crimes that have blighted the country, after the veteran leader said a national healing process under way would not penalise offenders but will work to avoid future conflict, analysts said.
His statement – the first time he has inadvertently admitted political violence took place in past elections – contrasts sharply with Prime Minister and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai who says there can be no national healing and reconciliation without justice.
MDC members, including Tsvangirai, have borne the brunt of organised political violence from security forces and Mugabe’s supporters since 2000 with several hundreds killed while many more have been uprooted from their homes by war veterans and youth militia loyal to the veteran leader.
But the violence climaxed in 2008 when Mugabe sought to reverse his first ever defeat in a presidential election by MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai. Known senior security officers led ZANU-PF loyalists on a campaign that left 200 opposition supporters dead and even shocked other neutral African leaders.
Fear of prosecution
“It goes without saying that Mugabe has never at any time sought to let the course of the law take effect or for justice to be served when crimes are committed by his supporters,” John Makumbe, a veteran political analyst and critic of Mugabe’s policies said.
“But it is not surprising because any moves to punish those who have fouled against the law may incriminate Mugabe himself. How will he respond if they say they were sent by Mugabe?” said Makumbe.
ZANU-PF supporters are known to commit violence in Mugabe’s name and even boast that they are immune to prosecution.
Some political analysts have long speculated that Mugabe and his allies, especially senior military figures and those in the dreaded national spy agency have continued to hold onto power fearing prosecution for crimes against humanity if they stepped down.
Fifth Brigade
A crack Fifth Brigade army unity that reported directly to Mugabe committed atrocities in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces in the early years of independence while pursuing dissidents.
Although nearly 20,000 civilians were killed in that operation, no single person has been prosecuted and some of the officers who commanded Fifth Brigade are now senior defence forces commanders who form the bulwark of Mugabe’s stay in office.
Analysts say Mugabe’s statement on Monday, while allaying fears of arrest among his rank and file, could be an incentive for them to continue unleashing more violence with impunity.
“We have embarked in earnest on the process of national healing, reconciliation and integration. For the sake of our children and posterity, I want to urge all of you to note that the process of reconciliation is national,” Mugabe said during Heroes Day commemorations on Monday.
“It does not seek to ferret out supposed criminals for punishment but rather calls on all of us to avoid the deadly snare of political conflict. Guided by the spirit of tolerance, we should continue to work together in promoting peace and stability regardless of political or religious affiliation.”
Political commentators say ZANU-PF will most likely lose free and fair elections to Tsvangirai’s MDC but question whether the 86-year-old leader who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980 is capable of holding free and fair elections.
While Mugabe has publicly discouraged the use of political violence, critics say he tacitly approves its use to intimidate opponents and will not act on the perpetrators.
A dangerous habit
Police have turned a blind eye to ZANU-PF violence but are quick to arrest opposition supporters suspected of political violence.
In March 2007, police brutally beat up Tsvangirai inside a police station and pictures of the then opposition leader’s swollen face shocked the world and embarrassed Mugabe’s supporters on the continent and led to calls by the West for him to step down.
“It (use of violence) has become a dangerous habit that is difficult kick for ZANU-PF and you feel that they do not have any other game plan with which to retain power,” said Eldred Masunungure, political scientist at the University of Zimbabwe said.
“A dangerous precedent has been set in this country where people get away with conflict and violence. At the end of it all you want to ask yourself whether Mugabe can survive without the use of violence? That is doubtful.”
Source: ZimOnline
Violence is an under-statement, there is cannibalism in Zimbabwe. Those who defend the death arguing that the opposition thinks that those who die are their members. Why would a lot of influential people decide to die during elections in Zimbabwe? There are man-eaters who eat human blood in Zimbabwe. They hide behind politics in order to avoid prosecution. Life is a free gift from God and no individual has authority to force others prematurely to eternity. It is all our right to live life to the full.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
So who do we believe
John ” Zanu are finished they are running scared” Makumbe
or
Jabulani “Tsvangirai can be swatted like a fly” Sibanda
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
It is wrong to kill. Thou shall not kill.
Kufunga zvakasiyana upfumi hwenyika. We dont need to think like President Mugabe in order to be called zimbabwean. Otherwise President Mugabe would not need advisors.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Dzimai Moto
Sorry this is real life – its not an issue of assumed morality – its about survival and necessity.
You quote scripture – What happens in that Book of REVELATION before the introduction of a new improved paradise?
Yep – a WAR against evil.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
What you wish man would do to you, do so to them. Zim1 I dont think that it will be well when you are severely beaten by rude people once in 5 years. President Mugabe knows very well that the majority of the electorate has rejected him but he is ruling by force.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Lol then whats your solution Moto ?
Mugabe doesnt beat anyone using his own hands
When he dies do you think those living well doing the beatings on his behalf have no agenda of to keep wealth and power?
When certain people talk about Zanu last kicks its just hopeful talk with no plans or substance behind it. Ruling by force is still ruling.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Believe both.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The last kicks of dying horse, he can go to hell or Malawi we don’t care. The end is nigh and we will make sure he suffers too.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
It seems this horse will kick forever. It has been kicking for sometime. Or we say the last kicks of this horse are infinite. Sure this is a strange horse. More than 10yrs of kicking. Zvaari manenji nhai.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
He was helped again to walk down steps in China. Those who know better are saying his feet are infected.
Pidigu haudi kutongawo here? 130 years in office is just too much. “If I grow up I want to be a president of Zimbabwe”, I used to say when I was young. Your response Pidigu is that that office is will never be vacant. Its a shame.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Now you put words in my mouth? It will be vacant at an appriate time. Dont say the time is now.
You know what I want, is for mugabe to finish the indigenisation program. Take the land take the economy. After that war is over anyone can rule. Did you see how much the gvt is getting from Marange. had it not been for mugabe’s radicalism zim wld have lost all that money to kaswick(spelling). Now we have money for the fiscus. Fertilizer will be bought, Civil servents wil get descent salaries. Is that not good.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
You are benefiting from the kickbacks. In any case anyone with a stamina can do what Mugabe is doing, Mugabe is not made of steel. He is replaceable. The wars your talking of will take a whole lifetime effectively making Mugabe a life president.
The British people supported Mugabe in 1980 and only Mugabe knows the details of the agreement.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The support was half hearted because they didnt persuade the farmers to give up land. It was willing seller willing buyer and you know how it failed- no takers.
As for kickbacks we are benefiting now. The fiscus doesnt descriminate. I think biti was one of the biget supporters of the sell.
I know anyone can have the stamina but look dzimas, when all this was happening mdc joined forces with the very pple that were fighting mugabe. The result was disaster for zim. So not to cause confusion to the process mugabe shld continue until the process is complete. We are near the end thanks God.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
It was good to do land reform but there were serious errors. There are people who bought farms around 1989, their farms were confiscated. You will argue that its a revolution and they were caught in the cross fire. That is wrong.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
You have brutally answered it Dzimas. Its a revolution. Nothing is fair. Revolution takes the wrong path to achieve a good thing.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Mr Editor,
What about we start a column detailing the reasons why Mugabe cannot give or even mention amnesty for political crimes? I think it will turn into a petition but what I have in mind is to let people give the names of victims of Zanu PF murder and mayhem. We only know of the well publicised political activists but all of us know someone who has succumbed to the brutish regime of pre-2008.
I can kick start it for those who want to add on:
Talent Mabika
Tichaona Chiminya
Tonderai Ndira
Learnmore Jongwe
Rashiwe Guzha…….
When Mugabe sees this list he will stop all nonsense of amnesty and accept that there is a criminal case to answer at the end of his term.
How can we even talk of amnesty when the people are not allowed to show exhibits of Gukurahundi and the election violence? Didn’t the police confiscate pictures and then they only allowed a invited-people only viewing of the exhibition later?
Mugabe should be put on the spot. This amnesty that he talks about…..can he first talk about the violence and killings and then touch base on a request for amnesty?
Iyi nyaya ichavariga manje. Mugabe has this habit of putting things out there to gauge the mood or reaction people will have. When we all remain docile and non-assertive he thinks he has gotten away with it and his henchmen then go out on their deadly strikes. If people add to this list and the killers themselves realise their deeds are not forgotten and are recorded they will think again about their actions.
Dear Omuhle.
Your idea has already been implemented. ALL alleged perpetrators of violence are recorded and stored outside Zimbabwe. A running list is submitted to The Office of the Prosecutors OTP at the Hague on a regular basis together with supporting evidence. The MDC run a parallel system also…..(editor)
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The hague. That shameful organisation known for its bias. It wont do anything I promise. Its so ridled with inconsistence and bias. For it to take africans only, why cant it start with those individuals. You know them. It concentrates on those who are dark. Because we are near the devil.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
White brutality is wrong, black brutality is wrong. In any case it does not mean that we should sin if Americans are doing so.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
You are coming good dzimas. We shld not condon brutality in anyway. But for this shameful biased organisation to start with african leaders is a miscariage of justice. First things first. Ko ogoti this one is touchable , this is untouchable? Why? Or you are trying to tell me that brutality only caries water if its african? Have you seen how fast they act if it comes to us.
I want every prosecuted including mugabe and whoever they see fit but on one condition. Remove shameful bias and beofore we start prosecuting mugabe lets finish with the untouchables. In accounting they call it FIFO. but what we are seeing now is LIFO.
What a joke of an organisation.
latest investigations
The Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC is also analysing information about a number of countries around the world to determine whether to open new investigations. According to public and official statements of the ICC, the OTP is looking into alleged crimes committed in Afghanistan, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Georgia, Guinea and Palestine. The OTP has also received communications in relation to several other countries, including Chad, Iraq and Venezuela.
ICC Statements and Reports
Author Title Date
ICC
12871|12872
No impunity for crimes committed in Georgia: OTP concludes second visit to Georgia in context of preliminary examination
25 June 2010
ICC
12842|12843
OTP delegation to visit Guinea
18 May 2010
ICC-CPI
12093|12094
ICC judges grant the Prosecutor’s request to launch an investigation on crimes against humanity with regard to the situation in Kenya
31 Mar 2010
ICC-CPI
12095|12096
Decision Pursuant to Article 15 of the Rome Statute on the Authorization of an Investigation into the Situation in the Republic of Kenya
31 Mar 2010
ICC
12770|12771
OTP preliminary examination in Georgia: ICC Prosecutor receives Georgian Justice Minister
19 Mar 2010
ICC-CPI
11733|11734
ICC Prosecutor confirms situation in Guinea under examination
15 Oct 2009
ICC-OTP
10187|10188
Visit of the Palestinian National Authority Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Justice
13 Feb 20
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
You are knowleagable Abel. The ICC could be biased but they brought peace in DRC where the military generals were running riot. Mudhara provided the militray intelligence that sent Mobutu into hiding but there were a lot of connected warlords in DRC who continued to destabilise. ICC is better than nothing, we need peace during election time in Zimbabwe.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Noting and taking action are two different things Ed. What the whole world (fair minded pple ) want is for the icc to prosecute those who started before it jumps to african leaders. Imagine they have already issued bashia a warrant of arrest-how quick. But we have palestine running for nearly half a century. I think that exposes icc a lot. They documented the war in iraq? are you sure? And they dont know the pple or they are still documenting? That should be fun.
Wants an issue goes to UN or icc then there is no fairness at all. It depends on color or who is backing you. Its a rubish organisation i am sorry to say. The best way is to restructure both bodies. Otherwise as it is now its a big shame.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Are you sure they brought peace to DRC? Research again. Now the DRC gvt wants them out immediately. They are not happy with them at all. Is that the peace you are talking of.
They are DRC neighbouring countries with no cobalt but are exporting it right now. Is that peace? The rebels are are still there dont be fooled. UN has failed in that country. Choose another example.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Iwe Pidigu you have the Sovereignty Mine in DRC. It is your private mine which is not benefitting the nation.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Dzimas haunyare. Unehusvinu. Ini ndirikuzvimorera zvangu ngoda yangu iwe wave kundifumura. Izvozvi ndarama yangu yavekuvharwa pamusaka pako.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Iwe Pidigu hauremerwi here kudya wega ini muvakidzani wako ndichiyaura nenzara? Hazvirwadzi here kunzwa kuti muvakidzani afa nenzara iwe une dura riri kutadza kufema nechikafu?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Dzimas, hakuna inofurira irere. Bhindaukawo. They say one man for himself and God for us all.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Aiwa Pidigu kana washandisa ZRP kurwa then zvarwira ne ZRP zvava zvenyika kwete iwe woga. Uri kurasika papi?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I guess you are no longer joking. I was answering you in the context of pure joke.
I think my joke is now construed as true fact. No dzimas. If we are joking lets put debate aside. Dont try to be smart, kuruma uchifuridzira segonzo. We can all do what you are trying to do but its unneccessary.
anyway were you saying it as a fact that I have a mine. which mine. Usapenge. Kanakurwara nepfungwa. Debate sensible things.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Lovely,
Next stop…the OTP. I know a few names I can add to their list, if not already there. However I hope it is not just a recording of perpetrators but also includes their victims. I lost my best friend during the 2000 elections and to date it is assumed he drowned but we know he was chased by “war veterans” and he was a champion swimmer in college so what do they mean drowned? What I would like is to document dates, victims and locations so they will also come forward and tell us the areas they were “operating” in so by relating his time of death and their testimony, we know who killed him.
Thanks all the same, Ed.
The evidence includes:-
dates, Place, Victim, perpetrator,offence, pictures if available and details of any police or political action….(Editor)
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Omuhle! Is it possible to write a petition to ICC? My wish is to bring to the attention of international community the cannibalism that takes place in Zimbabwe during election time.
Communications and claims under art.15 of the Rome Statute may be addressed to:
Information and Evidence Unit
Office of the Prosecutor
Post Office Box 19519
2500 CM The Hague
The Netherlands
or sent by email to otp.informationdesk@icc-cpi.int ,
or sent by facsimile to +31 70 515 8555.
(Editor)
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
About time too.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
During and after the dangerous June 2008 election re-run in Zimbabwe there were articles on this website documenting the violence and murderers in Zimbabwe. Will that serve as evidence?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Zim Vigil and Sokwanele and others have been doing that for forever.
The question being how they gonna arrest anyone when the cops are in cahoots with the crooks and MDC is seeking to trade amnesty for power?
Ah Zimbabwe – the plot thickens.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Dzimaz,
I’m still reading through the website and documents I found but on the face of it, I’m a bit dissapointed.
Firstly, cases can only be referred by member states, of which I don’t think Zimbabwe is a signatory. I read somewhere that Zim signed the treaty but I don’t think this would have passed without fanfare. I also know that African countries have been trying to lobby the other African state s to “!unsign” because of the Al Bashir issue but I don’t know where Zim stands on this.
Secondly, only incidents committed as far back as 2002 can be considered because that is when the Rome treaty was put in place. So that rules out my friends’ murder as well as issues such as Gukurahundi and election violence in 1985, 1990 and 2000.
Thirdly, the court has jurisdiction over 4 categories of crime: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression. They haven’t defined crimes of aggression (Article 5.2) and when they do, they will only start prosecutions in, at the earliest, 2017. I don’t know how far back they will look at those crimes either. Of the 4 categories we would be hard pressed to prove war crimes or genocide and it is pushing it when it comes to proving crimes of aggression without a definition.
I haven’t found reference to the compilation of the Zim violence perpetrators or victims of Zanu PF but I’m still digging. If there are any people out there with legal minds perhaps they can advise on this.
Editors Note: Initial evidence was transferred to the OTP in mid 2008. The OTP acknowledged receipt and ongoing transfer of evidence has continued. Zim is not a signatory to article 14. However, if the OTP requests the UN to decide on the balance of the evidence that is held, whether a crime or crimes have been committed, The UN can instruct the ICC to commence legal investigations and prosecutions. (Darfur is a case of this nature I suspect)…..(Editor)
next step is locate what they have on Zimbabwe and what is applicable, how far back etc and whether Zimbabwe signed this treaty as well. If they sign it today only crimes committed after today cna be referred to the court, as far as my limited reading can decipher. Someone might be able to help out, I’ll make enquiries….
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Thank you so much. Mugabe is not Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe is not Mugabe.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Zim 1, if the police won’t extradite suspects to the Hague then the suspects are nabbed when they set foot on any signatory state. That leaves Zanu mafia with just Angola and Mozambique to travel to. Al bashir is a typical case, he tested their resolve recently but he only went across the border to Chad or so.
That has always been the case here. How far are the regional and intenrational communities willing to go to let Zanu mafia walk within their midsts knowing what they have done. SADC are this weekend discussing the Zim contempt of the tribunals they set up. They will be complicit in any crimes committed if they let the mafia walk amongst them. I don’t hold much faith in SADC but I would relish if they are exposed for the double standards of passing laws and tribunals and then standing by while the laws were abused and ignored.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Omuhle
What you are seeking is to trim branches -yet you always talk about your chosen version of bringing change working from the roots.
You cant have it both ways – one minute you talk of negotiated settlements then you want justice. You want arrests in foreign countries while dismissing the need to have powers of enforcement at home when will the thugs actually doing the dirty work ever care to visit these signatory nations of yours? As your side is already offering full amnesty to the JOC chefs.
Sad to say I feel sorry for the country – in you democrats seeking and spin doctoring what you claimed was an easy path to victory youve raised hopes for a new nation when the best you really are aiming for is a betrayal of the right of people to seek justice.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
No Zim1, I seek isolation. it’s not an easy thing nad it reeks of desperation to even contemplate it but isn’t it effective?
You say when will the thugs ever leave the country? We are not looking to get the foot soldiers, we want the principals that instruct them and we all know they love their trips abroad.
You say these signatory countries – have you taken a look at which countries in souther nAfrica have not signed up to the ICC yet? It’s just Moza and Zim. As you know these chefs get the limited edition holiday broc**** which has destinations in SA and Asia only. They are in SA almost every month.
You say offering full amnesty to JOC? A means to an end. One which no one but the victims has no right to make. There is nothing wrong with a spectacular u-turn occuring once their exit is secured. Look at Charles Taylor? he was told by Obasanjo I think that he can resign office and live in peace in Nigeira and he fell for it only to find inter-presidential requests made by Johnson and chains dangled from his wrists (I still think that is the reason Bob wants to die in office – there is no guarantee on amnesty anymore. Probably also why he stands by Mengisthu becoz if he turns him in then anyone he runs to wil lturn him in as well). Anyway, my point on that is there are lots of irons in the lots of fires and any amnesty can be challenged in court by victims and the JOC returned for trial. Do you honestly see a grown man claiming in court that he has immunity?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Thus the point goes around full circle.
Are you offering amnesty or not = why would JOC relinquish power given the glaring example of Taylor?
It seems you present a good case – then undermine the solution you offer.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0