MDC-T Treasurer and wife severely assaulted by ZANU PF

Posted by on Thursday, November 1, 2012 in MDC-T, Zimbabwe politics | 101 comments

John Kinnaird after his beating by ZANU PF youths

By Tererai Karimakwenda
01 November 2012

A group of four ZANU PF thugs broke into the home of an MDC-T official in Kadoma Wednesday night, brutally assaulting him and his wife before taking their money and escaping.

But there is fear that the attack was political and not criminal, because the thugs wore ZANU PF bandanas and left valuable laptops and other goods in the house.

The assault was on John and Jackie Kinnaird from Kadoma. He is the MDC-T Midlands North Treasurer.

Kerry Kay, an activist and member of the MDC-T executive, said one of the youths was armed with a metal rod that looked like a car spanner used to remove bolts from a car tyres. One of the youths continuously hit John over the head.

Another youth took Jackie into the bedroom, where she violently tried to break free. Her arm was broken as a result.

Kerry said John had an x-ray and scans of his head taken. Fortunately he did not suffer any internal injuries and was treated and sent home.

But Jackie is still at the hospital, where she is scheduled to have an operation on her arm on Friday. Kerry said she has a compound fracture and the bone was sticking out of her arm.

Kerry blasted the MDC-T for not doing enough to stem the tide of violence already grips Zimbabwe ahead of elections. She said the party is not being strong enough in responding to political violence from ZANU PF thugs.

“There is no rule of law in the country and when there is no rule of law, nothing functions. We’ve got 31 people sitting in jail for the murder of a policeman. All the evidence given in court so far exonerates them 100 per cent. Yet they are still in jail 18 months later. They are prisoners of conscience, not criminals,” Kerry fumed.

The activist warned that whenever Robert Mugabe speaks publicly of peace and non violence, the country can expect violence to flare up and intensify soon after that.

“To be perfectly honest, when the president talks no peace and non violence, I’ve seen this since 2000 at the referendum when he said we will respect all people, and two weeks later people were beaten up. My husband was beaten and left for dead. It’s the same modus operandi. It is a smokescreen,” Kerry said.

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  • Bayonza06

    ZANUPF will never desist from violence. When Mugabe falsefilly preaches peace, he would have informed his thugs that by saying no violence, to you I WOULD BE SAYING GO AHEAD.
    Why cant the nation organise to defend its self once and for all. This trend is not stopping. No-one is invincible. except God the Almighty.

  • Bayonza06

    Mugabe and his thugs must be aware that they have more enemies than friends and with out break of war they will run worst than Gaddafi

  • Bayonza06

    If they unleash violence against the masses the whole diaspora and friends will play the piped-piper of Hamelin and that would be the end of a pompous and cruel regime

  • Bayonza06

    Zvobgo and Mavhaira were right that MUGABE MUST GO, even now he is an obstacle to reforms GO mugabe GO

  • Bayonza06

    When will Zimbabweans get rid of this monister a quizling of the Chineese and Russians

  • Bayonza06

    He should be relegated to Blantyre in Malawi, were he belongs.

  • Dontcare

    I wont even bother sharing this, those whites still there that think they gonna make a change have this coming to them. Is your life and your wifes life really worth all of this? And what is Morgan going to do about this? I will tell you, he is going to do sweet FA as he is just like Josh Nkomo did before him, sold everyone down the river and is living his good life. Talk is cheap, actions speak louder than words, time everyone there stepped up and did something about the situation. If they want freedom then maybe they should grow some balls and do what the Egyptians and the Libyans did and take their country back.

    • Common Sense

      … and I don’t care about your view that they had this coming to them, racist pig

    • Stevo

      Its interesting that you seperate whites from blacks when it suites your own agenda. You say you wont bother sharing this,and then you did bother. Is life worth living, doing nothing about anything?

  • Your rugby mate N

    I used to work for this guy back in zim and he was an amazing boss ,get well John

  • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

    A Head of State and Government has far more important things to do than ordering the beatings of people. It is amazing that people can think and stoop this low. Cheap politics, oh gosh or not Aah.

    • david taylor

      Maybe the Head of State and Government should do his job and order the end to all political violence. I can’t think of anything more important for a Head of State to do.

      • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

        I have heard him speaking against violence a few weeks ago. I am sure the beating of this poor fella has been the work of criminals but as has become a tradition in this country, anything bad done is supposed to have been done by ZANU PF and the Head of State and Government. And quite rightly as the sitting Head of State he carries the ultimate blame. If that is your line of argument, it is acceptable.

        • david taylor

          Many of us believe that for the past 30 years Mugabe has fostered political violence in the country to remain in power.

          It is going to take more than a couple of speeches to convince anyone that he means what he says.

          Perhaps he could fire the Police Commissioner for failing to stop the political violence.

          And the Attorney General for failing to prosecute the perpetrators of the violence.

          Words are a start, but it is going to take actions to convince not only his detractors but also his supporters.

          • wilbert_mukori

            It should be remember that there has been many, many victims of political violence and Mugabe himself has even boasted of having “degrees in violence”. Mugabe may not have ordered any beating or murder but when thousands of these happen and no one is ever arrested the Head of State has to explain why he failed to ask why that was so.

        • Common Sense

          Read the report again before you try to let ZPF off the hook, this was ZPF 100%

    • Taweet

      Oh please,where do you think all this violence is coming from? Wake up !

      • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

        There is empirical evidence to the effect that supporters of the MDC are the catalyst to violence in this troubled country. They incite violence and when government responds in kind, they cry at the top of their voices to attract attention. This trend or pattern has been noted since the formation of this political party. My advice is for the MDC supporters not to incite violence as quite frankly nobody will get hurt or injured.

        • super mondo

          stick your devious remarks up your zanu

          • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

            As far as you are concerned everyone who has divergent views from yours is affiliated to ZANU PF. And as far as you are concerned I have read your comments where you assert Chimbwido Warvet is Zanu PF affiliated simply because he speaks his mind. Anyway, I can be anything I want to be. If you are concerned about that, then you have you have issues in your murky head. I am sorry if I have been blunt but don’t be judgmental. Let us spend our precious time on issues that are beneficial to us all as pointing fingers at one another is counterproductive.

    • saddened

      u know very well,,,, he has to do this shit!!!!!! cause not many people will vote for him,,,,, he has to use violence and empty promises ,,,,,,,, and rig the voting,,,,,,,,,, so u tell me seriously,,,,,,,,,,,,,

  • http://www.facebook.com/sandy.kroukamp Sandy Kroukamp

    Thinking of you and your wife, and wishing you both a speedy recover, this is totally unexcepted . Sandy ex Que Que

  • david taylor

    This brutal political assault is totally, totally unacceptable. If Mugabe had any balls he’d visit this man and his wife, and make a very public condemnation of the violence. And of course Tsvangirai and Ncube should pull their parties out of the GPA.

    Why do Tsvangirai and Ncube continue to participate in what is essentially a Mugabe government, when their supporters (innocent Zimbabweans) are being brutalized by the party they are in coalition with.

    Why are they participating in the GPA (as Mugabe’s stooges) when neither of them have access to state media. There is no ways in hell this election is going to be free and fair without them having access to the state media.

    Obviously the old idiot Mugabe bares most responsibility for this – but the responsibility also lies with Tsvangirai and Ncube. Their parties signed onto the Mugabe government, and they have not delivered the goods.

    • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

      Remember Tsvangirai has a brand new wife he is pampering and a customary wife he has recently given US$300, 000, a lifetime earnings for most senior civil servants in this impoverished or poverty-stricken country. He and the top leadership of the MDC are now enjoying life to the full and are less concerned about a poor white guy beaten up by criminals. Just a few weeks ago, one of my friends who was invited to his US$1.5 million house warming party was elated by the lavish imported food and fine wines he consumed while he was there. The Tsvangirai we used to know in the early 2000s has completely been corrupted by the powerful and now cares less for the man in the street.

      • Common Sense

        This brutatility will stop when Mugabe says so, not when MDC ‘do something about it’, and Mugabe knows it

        • wilbert_mukori

          You are right there Common Sense, the “brutality will stop when Mugabe says so” but only if this COPAC rubbish is allowed to pass!

        • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

          Only because he gets the blame as the Head of State and Government, that is all.

      • wilbert_mukori

        When Mugabe got Tsvangirai and his friends on the gravy train, the tyrant knew he would be free to do as he pleased and that is exactly what has happened. Mugabe kicked ALL and I mean ALL the democratic reforms agreed in the GPA and endorsed by SADC into the tall grass; not even one reform has seen the light of day. Mugabe was left to throw out all the people asked for in the constitution and rewrite it to suit his dictatorial needs and all Tsvangirai did was sign where he was told to sign.
        You are right Tsvangirai has been “corrupted by the power and now cares less for the man in the street”. The worrying thing is many Zimbabweans do not realize this and they will go on vote yes for this COPAC rubbish. They will soon realize that Tsvangirai’s promise that this COPAC draft constitution WILL deliver free and fair elections was a lie but it would be too late of course. Mugabe would go on to “win” the next election marred by violence and repression and corruption will continue for years to come. And he will silence his critics by reminding them that he is acting in accordance with the country’s new constitution approved by the people!

    • wilbert_mukori

      David, I agree with you both Tsvangirai and Ncube have been “Mugabe’s stooges” these last four years. I also agree with you that walking out of this GNU is something these two MDC factions should have done a long time ago and should do even now. It would be a symbolic public expression of how it has been a dysfunctional government.
      But if the two stooges really want to do something useful and for the good of the people then they should withdraw their endorsement of the COPAC draft constitution because it is not the democratic constitution the nation wanted and deserve.

    • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

      Remember this is just one unfortunate white man amongst thousands of black counterparts who have fallen victims to criminality in this country. Mugabe is a Head of State and Government and has national issues at the top of his agenda for each coming day. Quite frankly, as a head of state, he will not have the time to visit all the thousands of victims to criminality and their wives.

  • Anonymous

    I don`t know why international law is just looking and keeping quiet while Mugabe`s brutallity is continuing in Zimbabwe ? I think the world is happy to see all this killings in Zimbabwe.If America went in to Libya and did something why not in Zimbabwe too? Mugabe should die the same way Gaddaffi did. I wish Tsvangirai have to do something now before it is too late. How can elections be held in such an environment in Zimbabwe? This is totally unexpectable.

    • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

      I don’t know if ‘international law is just looking and keeping quiet’ It will be interesting to know whether international law has ‘eyes’ to see. Perhaps there is a recent scientific discovery I am still unaware of, oh gosh, no Aah.

      • Anonymous

        Oh shame on you Kossam Mutsinze ! This is an umbrella term of the people under this law. I think you are ZANU(PF) gang man. Why are you scrutinizing general comments given by others ? I don`t think whether you once went to school ,

        • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

          Oh gosh or not Aah, when will this blame game come to an end? I am not a ZANU PF gang man as you allege. I am libertarian and a firm believer in freedom of thought and self expression. ZANU PF does not want people who think outside the box but who toe the party line and I refuse to be associated with them. But having said this, I admire some of their philosophies such as their views on the land question and that they deserve respect from all of us for the role they played in liberating the country from foreign occupation and domination.

          • http://www.facebook.com/people/David-Fieldstad-Green-Ahmanson/100000099042104 David Fieldstad Green Ahmanson

            Do you realize that “land reform” turned Zimbabwe from the breadbasket of Southern Africa into a starving nation dependant on external support? So what if most of the farmland was owned and operated by whites? How were blacks harmed by that. The whole land reform policy is racist. Also, while I do not support all the actions of the colonial powers, tell me to my face that the people of Zimbabwe are better off now than during the Rhodesian era. Granted, the black people did not have full access to the advantages of its development, and there were genuinel racist policies that were reprehensible, but it didn’t officially exclude all blacks from the common voting roll, and gave parliament seats to traditional chiefs for heaven’s sake! Why is “foreign domination” intrinsically horrible? How were Africans better off, as a whole, before colonialism than during? How are they better off now?

          • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

            I do not want to even contemplate that our land reform exercise turned Zimbabwe from the breadbasket of Southern Africa into a starving nation dependent on external support. Having such views where a mere 5,000 white farmers occupied 99% of prime land against the will of my people is stupid, arrogant, illogical and irrational. We never invited the white farmers to our country but they imposed their will against my people, illegally exploited our natural resources which they sent to the United Kingdom for a song and above all worked us to death. It can only be described as logical and rational when my people are able to control their own destiny and not being controlled by foreigners against their will. To answer your stupid question, we are obviously better off now than in the hands of foreigners who were at best typical racists who never allowed the owners of the land to own land in their country of birth.
            Don’t worry my friend, we are coming after you and the United Kingdom to compensate the people of Zimbabwe for the plunder of our resources during the colonial era. You will pay reparations to the people of Zimbabwe. If you can not pay reparations during my generation, you will certainly be forced to pay by generations to come.

          • http://www.facebook.com/people/David-Fieldstad-Green-Ahmanson/100000099042104 David Fieldstad Green Ahmanson

            To be clear, I support the reconquest of most former African colonies by Britain, followed by the incremental granting of British citizenship to all inhabitants.

          • Chimbwido Warvet

            Who can stop a man from having wet dreams? Nobody can because it is a natural phenomenon. So dream on baby.

        • Goch

          Accusations, accusations accusations and more accusations thena little bit more of accusations then an extra pinch of accuasations..omd do you ever stop to listern to yourself??

    • Anonymous

      Where is Chimp-weed-o thewannabe warvet? No doubt he is reading all this and gloating about the filth he is part and parcel of.

      But make no mistake, those who carried out the cowardice are known and will face justice for this atrocity. They can run but they can’t hide.

      • wilbert_mukori

        Dream on! This Zanu PF regime has murdered over 30 000 innocent Zimbabweans and millions have been beaten or raped. How many of those responsible have ever been arrested? These criminals are known and they do not even bother to run and hide; everybody knows that except you!
        This is a serious matter, many lives are on the line here. If you have nothing constructive to say then shut up!

    • Tsuri

      Surely preaching bitterness is never goin to solve any problems isit..?? What sort of a leader would he be if he killed hi does that then make him the better person?? Really?? m..what diffrence would it make when you are the same person complaigning about how people are dying brutally?? Even though Gaddaffi was killed but is there peace I Lybia still?? We want a leader with intelligence, a leader driven by the right will and motive, a good example to the nation and that leader is not there not all

    • wilbert_mukori

      Dumbu
      Tsvangirai has had four years to implement democratic reforms and write a new democratic constitution; if he had done this none of these things would still be happening. He has done none of these things because he was busy globe-trotting and chasing women! What did you expect the international community to do, for God sake? I wish people like you would for once admit responsibility for your own actions and failures instead of blaming everyone else for everything!

      • Yepec

        If ever there was a confused and daft Reporter, none can be worse than Wilbert.

        (i) How can “democratic reforms” be implemented under the Lancaster House Constitution with its Executive President? (After the elections, the House of Assembly seats were: MDC-T 99, Zanu 97, and MDC-N 10. The Senate was Zanu 30 and MDC-T 24. The House of Assembly and the Senate make Parliament).

        (ii) The Executive President who signs Parliament bills into laws is Zanu.

        Wilbert, tell the readers how Tsvangirai would have implemented the reforms and written a “new democratic constitution”?

        • wilbert_mukori

          Yepec you argue like my Uncle
          Kodobo; both of you have what I call a “default” position on a given
          subject. The Lancaster House constitution is your “default” position
          you keep coming back to it over and over again even when it is totally
          irrelevant.

          The GPA, signed to by Zimbabwe’s three
          political parties in the GNU and guaranteed by SADC, set out a roadmap where a
          whole raft of democratic reforms would be implemented, a new democratic constitution written and culminating
          in the holding of fresh free and fair elections. The Lancaster House Constitution
          (LHC) was amended to reflect these changes. In the GNU, Mugabe does NOT have his
          old executive powers you are scared stiff of. And the Lancaster House
          constitution as you know it has been suspended.

          The reason why, four years since the
          signing of the GPA, none of the reforms have seen the light of day is because
          Tsvangirai did not push for them to be implemented. Mugabe is a tyrant and, of
          course, he was always going to do his best to ensure none of the reforms
          happened. It was for Tsvangirai to ensure the reforms were implemented.

          During the interparty horse
          trading Mugabe saw to it that everything in the proposed new constitution seeking
          to undermine his dictatorship was removed and hence this rubbish COPAC draft.
          The nation wanted a new democratic constitution which would end the culture of
          violence and safe guard the people’s basic rights including the right to free
          vote and right to life! This COPAC rubbish will do no such thing.

          When you should compare the COPAC
          draft to democratic constitution of countries like SA you compare it to the LHC
          (your default setting). If accept “A” is bad and the compare it to “B” then
          then only meaningful result is either “A” is worse than “B” or vice versa. If
          you accept “A” is good then yes “A” is better than “B” or vice versa. What you
          are doing is comparing something bad, the LHC, with the COPAC draft and because
          of the “incremental democratic changes” in the latter you not only make the illogical
          conclusion that the COPAC draft is better than LHC but go further and embrace
          the former “convinced” it must compare well with democratic constitution
          although you have not done so.

          One of the “incremental gains”
          offered by the COPAC draft is that the presidential term will now be limited to
          ten years. Big deal! I would rather have a constitution that guarantees the
          electorate’s right to a free and fair election. Zimbabwe has been stuck with
          Mugabe for these last 33 years not because there was no limit to terms a
          president can serve but because the people were denied a meaningful vote. The
          people want to get rid of not only Mugabe but his dictatorship as soon as possible
          and the best this COPAC draft will do is allow them to get rid of Mugabe in
          another ten years (he is not losing sleep over that) and as for Zanu PF itself –
          never!

          My uncle Kodobo is a simple man
          with very little education and is getting old and therefore is easily confused.
          Reverting to any old position is his way of resetting himself. You, Yepec, you
          clearly has had a good education; what then is your excuse for being stuck with
          LHC? Whatever you do, I hope you will not be foolish and vote yes in the
          upcoming referendum and thus grant Mugabe his most cherished wish to be
          president for life!

        • wilbert_mukori

          Yepec you argue like my Uncle Kodobo; both of you have what I call a “default” position on a given subject. The Lancaster House constitution (LHC) is your “default” position
          you keep coming back to it over and over again even when it is totally irrelevant.

          The GPA, signed to by Zimbabwe’s three political parties in the GNU and guaranteed by SADC, set out a roadmap where a
          whole raft of democratic reforms would be implemented, a new democratic constitution written and culminating in the holding of fresh free and fair elections. The LHC was amended to reflect these changes. In the GNU, Mugabe does NOT have his old executive powers you are scared stiff of. And the LHC as you know it has been suspended.

          The reason why, four years since the signing of the GPA, none of the reforms have seen the light of day is because Tsvangirai did not push for them to be implemented. Mugabe is a tyrant and, of course, he was always going to do his best to ensure none of the reforms happened. It was for Tsvangirai to ensure the reforms were implemented.

          During the interparty horse trading Mugabe saw to it that everything in the proposed new constitution seeking to undermine his dictatorship was removed and hence this rubbish COPAC draft. The nation wanted a new democratic constitution which would end the culture of violence and safe guard the people’s basic rights including the right to free vote and right to life! This COPAC rubbish will do no such thing.

          When you should compare the COPAC draft to democratic constitution of countries like SA you compare it to the LHC
          (your default setting). If accept “A” is bad and the compare it to “B” then then only meaningful result is either “A” is worse than “B” or vice versa. If you accept “A” is good then yes “A” is better than “B” or vice versa. What you are doing is comparing something bad, the LHC, with the COPAC draft and because
          of the “incremental democratic changes” in the latter you not only make the illogical conclusion that the COPAC draft is better than LHC but go further and embrace the former “convinced” it must compare well with democratic constitution
          although you have not done so.

          One of the “incremental gains” offered by the COPAC draft is that the presidential term will now be limited to ten years. Big deal! I would rather have a constitution that guarantees the
          electorate’s right to a free and fair election. Zimbabwe has been stuck with Mugabe for these last 33 years not because there was no limit to terms a president can serve but because the people were denied a meaningful vote. The people want to get rid of not only Mugabe but his dictatorship as soon as possible and the best this COPAC draft will do is allow them to get rid of Mugabe in another ten years (he is not losing sleep over that) and as for Zanu PF itself – never!

          Yes one should look back and learn from the past but that does not mean turn back or walk backwards; because either way it is bound to slow one’s progress forward!

          My uncle Kodobo is a simple man with very little education and is getting old and therefore is easily confused. Reverting to any old position is his way of resetting himself. You, Yepec, you
          clearly has had a good education; what then is your excuse for being stuck with LHC? Whatever you do, I hope you will not be foolish and vote yes in the upcoming referendum and thus grant Mugabe his most cherished wish to be president for life!

        • wilbert_mukori

          Yepec you argue like my Uncle Kodobo; both of you have what I call a “default” position on a given subject. The Lancaster House constitution (LHC) is your “default” position
          you keep coming back to it over and over again even when it is totally irrelevant.

          The GPA, signed to by Zimbabwe’s three political parties in the GNU and guaranteed by SADC, set out a roadmap where a
          whole raft of democratic reforms would be implemented, a new democratic constitution written and culminating in the holding of fresh free and fair elections. The LHC was amended to reflect these changes. In the GNU, Mugabe does NOT have his old executive powers you are scared stiff of. And the LHC as you know it has been suspended.

          The reason why, four years since the signing of the GPA, none of the reforms have seen the light of day is because Tsvangirai did not push for them to be implemented. Mugabe is a tyrant and, of course, he was always going to do his best to ensure none of the reforms happened. It was for Tsvangirai to ensure the reforms were implemented.

          During the interparty horse trading Mugabe saw to it that everything in the proposed new constitution seeking to undermine his dictatorship was removed and hence this rubbish COPAC draft. The nation wanted a new democratic constitution which would end the culture of violence and safe guard the people’s basic rights including the right to free vote and right to life! This COPAC rubbish will do no such thing.

          When you should compare the COPAC draft to democratic constitution of countries like SA you compare it to the LHC
          (your default setting). If accept “A” is bad and the compare it to “B” then then only meaningful result is either “A” is worse than “B” or vice versa. If you accept “A” is good then yes “A” is better than “B” or vice versa. What you are doing is comparing something bad, the LHC, with the COPAC draft and because
          of the “incremental democratic changes” in the latter you not only make the illogical conclusion that the COPAC draft is better than LHC but go further and embrace the former “convinced” it must compare well with democratic constitution
          although you have not done so.

          One of the “incremental gains” offered by the COPAC draft is that the presidential term will now be limited to ten years. Big deal! I would rather have a constitution that guarantees the
          electorate’s right to a free and fair election. Zimbabwe has been stuck with Mugabe for these last 33 years not because there was no limit to terms a president can serve but because the people were denied a meaningful vote. The people want to get rid of not only Mugabe but his dictatorship as soon as possible and the best this COPAC draft will do is allow them to get rid of Mugabe in another ten years (he is not losing sleep over that) and as for Zanu PF itself – never!

          Yes one should look back and learn from the past but that does not mean turn back or walk backwards; because either way it is bound to slow one’s progress forward!

          My uncle Kodobo is a simple man with very little education and is getting old and therefore is easily confused. Reverting to any old position is his way of resetting himself. You, Yepec, you
          clearly has had a good education; what then is your excuse for being stuck with LHC? Whatever you do, I hope you will not be foolish and vote yes in the upcoming referendum and thus grant Mugabe his most cherished wish to be president for life!

          • Yepec

            Here again, you publicly show your ignorance by writing such things as the:

            (i) Lancaster House Constitution was suspended,

            (ii) Lancaster House Constitution was amended to reflect the GPA Reforms,

            (iii) Mugabe does not have executive powers,

            (iv) the Copac Draft is incremental because it limits the President’s term of Office to ten years..

            Since you are a dreamer keep on day dreaming ! This violence, which has been going on since Zanu PF took over from Smith, is real and is the reason why the General Elections ought to be under a new Constitution in which the President position, does not have the executive powers.

        • wilbert_mukori

          Yepec you argue like my Uncle Kodobo; both of you have what I call a “default” position on a given subject. The Lancaster House constitution (LHC) is your “default” position
          you keep coming back to it over and over again even when it is totally irrelevant.

          The GPA, signed to by Zimbabwe’s three political parties in the GNU andguaranteed by SADC, set out a roadmap where a
          whole raft of democratic reforms would be implemented, a new democratic constitution written and culminating in the holding of fresh free and fair elections. The LHC was amended to reflect these changes. In the GNU, Mugabe does NOT have his old executive powers you are scared stiff of. And the LHC as you know it has been suspended.

          The reason why, four years since the signing of the GPA, none of the reforms have seen the light of day is because Tsvangirai did not push for them to be implemented. Mugabe is a tyrant and, of course, he was always going to do his best to ensure none of the reforms happened. It was for Tsvangirai to ensure
          the reforms were implemented.

          During the interparty horse trading Mugabe saw to it that everything in the proposed new constitution seeking to undermine his dictatorship was removed and hence this rubbish COPAC draft. The nation wanted a new democratic constitution which would end the culture of violence and safe guard the people’s basic rights including the right to free vote and right to life! This COPAC rubbish will do no such thing.

          When you should compare the COPAC draft to democratic constitution of countries like SA you compare it to the LHC
          (your default setting). If accept “A” is bad and the compare it to “B” then then only meaningful result is either “A” is worse than “B” or vice versa. If you accept “A” is good then yes “A” is better than “B” or vice versa. What you are doing is comparing something bad, the LHC, with the COPAC draft and because
          of the “incremental democratic changes” in the latter you not only make the illogical conclusion that the COPAC draft is better than LHC but go further and embrace the former “convinced” it must compare well with democratic constitution
          although you have not done so.

          One of the “incremental gains” offered by the COPAC draft is that the presidential term will now be limited to ten years. Big deal! I would rather have a constitution that guarantees the
          electorate’s right to a free and fair election. Zimbabwe has been stuck with Mugabe for these last 33 years not because there was no limit to terms a president can serve but because the people were denied a meaningful vote. The people want to get rid of not only Mugabe but his dictatorship as soon as
          possible and the best this COPAC draft will do is allow them to get rid of Mugabe in another ten years (he is not losing sleep over that) and as for Zanu PF itself – never!

          Yes one should look back and learn from the past but not be stuck in the past! The LHC is not the only constitution out there; they are other infinitely better constitution against which the COPAC draft should be measured. You are not just looking back, you are walking backwards!

          My uncle Kodobo is a simple man with very little education and is getting old and therefore is easily confused. Reverting to any old position is his way of resetting himself. You, Yepec, you

          clearly has had a good education; what then is your excuse for being stuck with LHC? Whatever you do, I hope you will not be foolish and vote yes in the upcoming referendum and thus grant Mugabe his most cherished wish to be president for life!

        • wilbert_mukori

          wwww

    • Disillusioned!

      We don’t have any natural resources that America wants to exploit! Look at what is happening in Syria, there is nothing that America wants in that country. 3rd world countries can never rely on the west for help when there is nothing for them to gain from.

    • chrissy

      Its a shame that england and america dont do any thing but it because Zims doesnt have oil.

      • Chimbwido Warvet

        Would you wish the USA to intervene in arresting criminals who attacked this fella? The US government has far more pressing issues to deal with at home and abroad. It can not intervene in the domestic affairs of Zimbabwe simply because just one white man has been attacked by criminals. How many black people have fallen victims of criminal attack this year and was the US asked to intervene if we are to follow your line of argument? Peo

      • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

        Oh gosh, England and America have their own domestic problems which are far more serious than Zimbabwe. They are grappling with their own criminals that have filled the jails, endemic unemployment and other economic ills affecting their respective countries. Consequently, they can not be bothered in interfering in the internal affairs of Zimbabwe simply because one white man was beaten up by marauding criminals that prey on individuals they consider have loads of money. Frankly speaking, if the attack was politically motivated, no money could have been stolen from the victims. It seems to me, this was criminally motivated as property was stolen after the act. Of course, in an election year it becomes convenient to involve ZANU PF in this unfortunate incident for political gain. Be careful what you wish for,Chissy

  • Killer

    Kossam Mutsinze are you that stupid. Read the article again. If they entered the house why was the focus on John & Kerry where they were beaten Zanu PF baboons, as seen above and not taken assets such as laptops extra. With Mugabe and his henchman they have done nothing but failed under dictatorship and continue to fail. It is the majority of the black and whites that have suffered beatings, hunger, disease, unemployment etc. Zanu PF have to resort to violence to maintain power. What a bunch of baboons.

    • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

      The outpouring of sympathy for this poor white fella is amazing and clearly demonstrates that racism will never end in this country even when it is under majority rule. So many black people have been attacked and some have even died as a consequence but none these black fellas get any sympathy from the white folk. Just kick a white-man in the groin, all hell is breaking loose. It is a strange world indeed.

      • super mondo

        you are a lying bastard,get off this site zanu apologist.mboro

        • Chimbwido Warvet

          I can assure you Kossam Mutsinze is not about to go anywhere, mate. He shall be saying it as is without fear or favour, oh gosh, haha.

          • TheVoiceofReason

            Chimpweirdo Warbler – you are of course Kossam Mutsinze. What an idiot!! Do you really think this readership is so ignorant as not to know that. You are like a naughty child – laughable if the subject matter was not so serious. People we have to ignore these assholes – they are just trying to get a reaction and have absolutely no valuable input. This particular idiot is so thick skinned (and just thick!) that he wouldn’t know when he is be laughed at right to his face.

  • John G

    I feel sorry for you people but America only gets involved and the rest of the first world for that matter if there is oil involved and this is black on white violance even though he is a stronge suporter of what is rite for the black population in Zim the rest of the world do not see this as violance (they are sick when thousands of people are dying under Magabs’s rule) this is coming from a white man who was born in Zim (Rhodesia) and has sadly left Africa because of thugs like Mugabe and the up and comming thug in South Africa Malema who is a photo copy of Magabe

    • 123

      Talking about thugs *no racist* but have you considerd how you came about to be born in Rhodesia??

      • Rob C.

        That’s History you are talking about Tfara (and not to be forgotten) but does anyone (white) born in Rhodesia/ Zimbabwe have to hide away for the rest of their lives? One should look ahead positivly and the country move on as ONE people, ONE country.

    • wilbert_mukori

      Tsvangirai failed the nation, he f**** up big time! Trust me, we are smart enough to know and admit that. You do not think we need the Americans or the West to tell us that do you?

  • Chidhinha

    So ZANU is so daft that it would leave evidence behind?

  • Shaun

    John G…… Dude if you are going to partake in a public forum please learn to spell, or ask someone to help you!!?

    • Rob C

      Ef u kan reed this then whats the problim
      with no being able 2 spell proplie……?

      I’m sure its frustrating for some of you intellectuals
      to see spelling mistakes but did you ever think for a moment that maybe there might be other contributing factors that cause this, like being Dyslexic for example or English may be his 2nd language. This guy like so many others needs his voice and opinions heard as well so no need to be so insulting. I can bet he has many great and admirable attributes that would out strip pathetic criticism from folks like you. I can bet he probably speaks more than one language as well.
      You GO John G , speak out and trust me…we all understand exactly what you are saying, take no notice of the criticism from this guy, notice he didn’t have anything sensible to contribute to the
      awful attack on these poor people.

    • Stevo

      May John and his wife be healed physically and emotionally, and find it in their hearts to forgive the perpetrators of this hienous act.

      TO JOHN G—-Spelling? So you would advocate that those who have a lesser command of spelling english should never contribute without a nanny by their side? In other words intellectuals like your self righteous self should only participate in public forums as would be politically correct. Why is the world in such a mess ? Could it have been the contribution of so called intellects claiming they know it all? By the way your grammar is not up to scratch– Dude is slang. Participate would be more appropiate than PARTAKE. But I forgive you, as I still know what you are saying.

    • Chinorwa

      Shaun, you clearly illustrate the traits of someone whose growth is stunted and has eluded himself into thinking he has an empirical level of intellect. In simplified terms what i am establishing is that You Are A Sad Being Of a Human. Focus on more important things in your life and you might get somewhere.

      Nevertheless, yes violent act, very sad, wish him a speedy recovery but the MDC is a lost party- failure to protect its people meanwhile the Capo of the party is spending donor money on MANSIONS (hospitals?) Lobola, weddings, damages and tedious things alike. When one commits to a cause , to have absolute success, he must commit FULLY for LASTING success. The success that the MDC won by forming the GNU seems to have been enough for them- speeding away in landcruisers (bless coltart for declining the mercedes). Conflicting interests is not the way to be victorious.

      Zanu Pf is a machine. They are focused. They are prepared to fight for their cause. The MDC- halfhearted- intimidated. Reality is like it or not. Zanu is KING. Maybe if the MDC had bright youths they would adopt the american military doctrine and lead from the bottom and attempt to get their leader in place because Zanu Pf is smiling all the way to the polls with diamonds cash gold land in hand. Whatever you desire.

      ”True Power Is never given- True power is Taken ”

      Goodbye

      And Shaun use of ‘ !!? ‘ is not correct my friend. ”Do unto your brothers as you would have done unto you” that is diction from the EMPIRICAL truth.

  • Tfara

    As much as we all would want to blame the accused party, who says its “Mugabe’s brutality” as if he called the attackers personally and sent them on a mission to do this. It has become a hab bit for us Zimbabweans for us point fingers, not saying the report is biased but however let us not be complacent and forget that we still live in a society where they are thugs by nature, political or no political. If we dont stop to think we are going to collapse under our own force, simply because when you drag your feet to go and kill/ attack someone because they do not belong to your party, that is a violation of human rights, because from what l gather, apparently we are supposed to be a democratic country, so where is the democracy. We are never goin to be at peace until we stop pointing fingers, attarcking each other for no reason basically causr that person’s blood is on your head not the political part’s leader because you you yourself chose to kill with your bare hands. Ngative proud of who we are as a nation accepting each other sezvatiri because attackin each other is not going to solve anything but creating war when its not the only option. Getwell soon to thefamily physically and emotionally

  • http://www.facebook.com/chantel.calitz.1 Chantel Calitz

    Oh my gosh this is terrible , John and jackie use are in my thoughts and prayers and we wish use both speedy recoveries

  • Tsitsi

    Going on about political violence have you considered RACIAL ATTACK..this could have had been an act of racism .. the press should learn how to cover some articles and stop being politically biased and most of all STOP stirring wars between political parts. and bear in mind not only Zanu surpoters are racist, it could be anyone. All we hope for is that imparrative investigations be carried out and that justice will be served..

  • saddened

    this is unacceptable,,,,,, really,,,,, wth,,,, violence does not solve anything……it seems thats the only language rob knows,,,… its sad really,,,,, i feel sorry for him,,, he has missed out on being a good leader,,and respected,,, too late now,,,

    • wilbert_mukori

      Well unless you come up with something better than this; it will happen again!

      • saddened

        a woman should be made president,,,,,,,,, more compassionate,, less selfish,,,,,, and ,,, why are there always different parties,,,,, seriously we all want the same thing,,,,, peace,,,,!!!!!!!!!!!

        • wilbert_mukori

          We have had a woman vice president for years and she has sat there, just another anthill. I think we should spellout what qualities we should be looking for in a leader and then find the best fit be it man or woman.

  • http://www.facebook.com/tate.mataure Tate Mataure

    This is just shocking and disturbing.. thought we were past this stage of animal behaviour? hope these guys are ready to burn in hell

    • wilbert_mukori

      Where have you been hiding all these months!

    • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

      What is the definition of the term hell and have you ever seen it? If so, can you tell the readership how it looks like as I am keen to know more about it. I was told by one stupid evangelist as I was growing up of a bizarre hell in outer space that burns only dead people but nearly 60 years down the line, I am yet to know how it looks like. Perhaps you can chip in and help this poor man because I am devastated.

  • Nibida

    When are white people ever going to learn? Africa is for Africans. The rest of the world is for everybody. Why get involved in politics and sensitive issues that aggravate the regime? Mind your own business and do not interfere with the state (Robert Mugabe). Otherwise, this business of being an activist or a brand ambassador of the opposition will only bring you trouble. Rather go stay in the developed countries where the people are civilised or as i say, mind your own business. One may argue that it is our duty to humanity to fight for whats right if possible. It must also be considered whether or not its worth it to lose your life for a bunch of baboons.

    • wilbert_mukori

      There are black Africans who have been caught in this madness or are you saying they do not count!
      There are many whites who have decided for one reason or other, right or wrong to call Africa their home. They have been caught up in the madness that has destroyed Africa. Your racists remark is not helping these whites who are in Africa or anybody else except tyrants like Mugabe and his thugs who are using race as cover for their lawlessness.
      You left Africa and clearly do not care what happens to the black Africans. Some of us care and find your racist language very offensive.

      • saddened

        u right ,,,, we all suffering,,,,,, black and white people are now beggars on the street,,,,,,,,,,, but why do the black people blame the whites for it,,,, when clearly its the government,,,, instead of traveling all over the world,,, why cant he instead of giving them land that they clearly have no idea how to use,,, but build them a shelter,,, where the tax payers money can also have to feed and clothe ,, people,,,,,, the people come first,,,, there are so many beggars in town its really sad,,,, or he can even start up companies and employ people,, you know create jobs,,,, how many workers lost their jobs when the farms were distributed?????,,,,,, and why do we have to import things now when we used to be the exporters…. and there was enough food for everyone,,,,, he could even take the money and drill boreholes ,,, for people in rural areas,,,, or better still finish the zambezie project,,,,, we all want the same thing,,,, why have different parties????? can someone tell me that?????

        • wilbert_mukori

          Zanu PF pretend to blame the whites for everything and use that as the excuse for oppressing an blacks who oppose them. There is nothing wrong with having different political parties as long as we agree to all live by the same rules. A one party system is what we have today and has only led to oppression.

  • Liz hILL

    This is the “Human Rights” that the world forced on the Zimbabwe nation
    .Take a Bow.

    • wilbert_mukori

      How did the world force this on Zimbabwe?

  • Boommboy

    All of Zimbabwe appreciates your support guys. We really do. But what we’re worried about is when Bob (I.e Mugabe) finally decides to kick the bucket, who will replace him? Will it be someone better? Or someone far worse? That’s what we’re afraid of…

    • wilbert_mukori

      What you should be worried about is to have in place a truly democratic constitution so this kind of uncertainty is removed once and once for all!

    • Chimbwido Warvet

      Don’t worry, the people of Zimbabwe will decide in March 2013, but I foresee Mugabe being give another term of office. You had your time, illegal though it was, now is our time rhodie. If you are scared, you should do the honourable thing which is to ship out. Is that ok rhodie?

  • :(

    My heart breaks, how can any one do this???

  • wilbert_mukori

    John and Kerry are not the first victims of Zimbabwe’s culture of political violence, over 500 were murdered in cold blood in the three months of the 2008 presidential run-off alone. None of those responsible for all these beatings, rapes and murders have even been brought to justice.
    One of the democratic changes the whole nation expected and Prime Minister Tsvangirai promised to deliver was an end to Zimbabwe’s culture of violence through a number of democratic reforms and a new democratic constitution. NONE, NOT EVEN ONE of the reforms have seen the light of day. And the COPAC draft constitution PM Tsvangirai agreed with Mugabe will do nothing to end this culture of violence.
    What every Zimbabwean should know that if this COPAC rubbish is passed then the nation will have wasted its last chance to end the country’s culture of violence for another tens year or even a generation.
    Mr Prime Minister Tsvangirai , will you please now tell the nation you have been misleading them about this COPAC draft rubbish end the culture of violence and delivering free elections. My appeal to every Zimbabwean is to please save the nation and posterity from the scourge of political violence by voting NO to this COPAC rubbish and thus demand a truly democratic constitution!

    • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

      I spent the rest of this afternoon reading the COPAC document and it seems to me a fabulous piece of work. It is far more superior to the Lancaster House Constitution which is currently in force in Zimbabwe. Perhaps, you could tell the readership the sections of the document you do not agree with and stating your reasons for a start.

      • wilbert_mukori

        The first mistake you made and, if I may say so, a very common mistake many have made is to compare the COPAC draft to the Lancaster House constitution. What you should do is define what you wanted the new constitution to be and see how the COPAC draft compares to that.

        The new constitution we wanted and deserve is one that would end the country’s culture of violence, for one thing, and restore every Zimbabwean’s democratic and fundamental right to a free and fair meaningful vote. Such a constitution would have a clause making it clear that those found guilty of politically motivated violence will be given a mandatory jail term and banned from holding public office for minimum of 10 years.

        The South African constitution offers a solution to our problem of the security sector mandling in politics. Any member serving in the SA’s Police, Army and Intelligence Agents must know that:

        “1) No member of any security service may obey a manifestly illegal order.

        2) Neither the security services, nor any of their members, may, in the performance of their functions: ­

        a) prejudice a political party interest that is legitimate in terms of the Constitution; or
        b) further, in a partisan manner, any interest of a political party.

        3) To give effect to the principles of transparency and accountability, multi-party parliamentary committees must have oversight of all security services in a manner determined by national legislation or the rules and orders of Parliament.”
        The COPAC draft does not have any such clauses and thus will never end the culture of violence, etc.
        If you compare the COPAC draft to the Lancaster House; yes the former is better, it will limit the terms of the president to ten years. Big deal! If you had a truly free vote which is what a democratic constitution would give you; you would get rid of him now!
        Those who accept the “incremental democratic changes” offered by this COPAC rubbish are like one who come out of Aliddin and the Magic lamp’s cave of wanders with a handful of gold duct when the magic lamp could have been theirs. Indeed without the magic lamp their gold dust is but fool’s gold, iron pyrites!

        • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

          You amaze me Wilbert with this warped thinking, a thinking that is contradictory at best. While you begin your introductory remarks by your desire for a home grown constitution, you then recommend a constitution that goes in similar lines to the South African one. Quite frankly, this is not what the people of Zimbabwe have said but what you want personally. The COPAC initiative you have clearly dismissed, captures the views expressed by Zimbabweans during the outreach exercise that took years to produce a working document for this draft constitution. This draft copy which is not yet law of the land until it is ratified, can not be a replica of the South African constitution. Zimbabweans should have ownership of their constitution and the COPAC initiative attempts to do just that. Once the proposed referendum approves COPAC, the story does not end there but will be improved upon by Parliament as laws of any nation are the preserve of its country’s House of Parliament. If you have a look at constitutions of other countries, their content is not very detailed. They will contain just some broad outlines of the constitution and Parliament will fill in the gaps where it is felt convenient That is how it works, Wilbert.
          Some countries, for instance the United Kingdom, does not have a constitution at all and yet the country is governed efficiently and effectively. They let Parliament make laws for the country. And rightly so, one of the primary responsibilities of the House of Assembly of countries of the entire world is that of enacting laws for their respective countries.
          My advice to you is not to confuse people on matters you are not very qualified to talk about. There are knowledgeable and well educated people who have been given the task of compiling the COPAC draft constitution. Their efforts in coming out with this fabulous and well thought-out document that captures the views of Zimbabweans and not South Africans, should not be in vain.

  • KeepAnOpenMind

    What if MDC people are beating MDC people and framing ZANU for the beating? Why would they do this… to continually taint ZANU’s reputation for violence. Some people might be used as sacrificial lambs for the greater MDC good? I do not condone any form of violence, regardless of you perpetrates it but im asking people to be critical and not see things from the surface only. Politics is really a dirty game…..

  • Ex Zim.

    Why Mugabe is still in power is unbelieveable. Needs to be got rid of and the sooner the better.

    • http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze

      Because he is not an Uncle Tom. He is adored by the people of Zimbabwe

  • Disillusioned!

    Violence is unacceptable, no matter what circumstances or what colour or creed a person is! Here’s wishing the Kinnaird family a speedy recovery and may they never give up what they believe in. AND here’s hoping that one day the thugs involved will be brought to justice. I seriously believe that what goes around comes around….Mugabe knows he can never relinquish power as he knows full well that him, his evil wife and all his wicked henchmen will have the wrath of a whole country against him and his life will be very short lived!

  • Chinorwa

    Yes violent act, very sad, wish him a speedy recovery and the undocumented black people BUT the MDC is a lost party- failure to protect its people meanwhile the Capo of the party is spending donor money on MANSIONS (hospitals?) Lobola, weddings, damages and tedious things alike. When one commits to a cause , to have absolute success, he must commit FULLY for LASTING success. The success that the MDC won by forming the GNU seems to have been enough for them- speeding away in landcruisers (bless coltart for declining the mercedes). Conflicting interests is not the way to be victorious.

    Zanu Pf is a machine. They are focused. They are prepared to fight and die for their cause. The MDC- halfhearted- intimidated. Reality is like it or not. Zanu is KING. Maybe if the MDC had bright youths they would adopt the american military doctrine and lead from the bottom and attempt to rally up, commit and get their leader in the right frame of mind but I wonder if he cares if he’s so comfortable, in love rich, so why die?. What is the MDC slogan ? haven’t seen it in a while because the MONEY was used to BUILD A MANSION AND MARRY AN ILLITERATE WOMAN TO FIGHT FOR THE WHOLE POPULATION. If you defend these acts, you yourself are a perpetrator who has double standards and is perfectly comfortable with the position of your country. As for me, I am, politics does not affect me, I travel where I want 18 countries in 2 years, I buy what i want. But for the unhappy ones start making contingencies or as Robert Kiyosaki would tell you – you are doomed.

    Zanu Pf is smiling all the way to the polls with diamonds cash gold uranium tobacco chrome cotton maize 51% equity and land in hand. Whatever you desire.

    ”True Power Is never given- True power is Taken ”

    Goodbye

  • Sheila May

    John & Jackie! I do not know you, but my hear goes out to you, I just pray that soon now God will decide enough is enough & I hope Robert Mugabe will suffer the worse fate imaginable. And I hope his people will at that time treat him they way they have been treated. 2 Chronicles v14 ‘If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves & pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven & will forgive their sins & will heal their land”.
    All Zimbabweans, kneel & pray to God he will hear.Where two or more people are gathered together & pray in my name. He will hear your prayers & answer them.
    God Bless & keep you all.
    Sheila May

  • Sharnie

    For Gods sake!!!! We are living In the UK FOR A REASON
    MADAM AND YOUR HUBBY, get the hell out of there before they kill you next time !!!!!!!!

    • Chimbwido Warvet

      Why were in Zimbabwe before when you were not a welcome visitor? Is it not that you imposed your will on my people you f….g tortoise? And now after more than 200 years of plunder of my country’s resources, raping and murdering my people, working my people to death, engaging domestic servants you never paid fairly and doing all sorts of silly things to my people, you then run away to England. Don’t worry you and your England are going to pay reparations for the ills my people suffered at your foolish and ignorant hands. Today the Aborigine people are being compensated by the Australian government for the abuse they suffered for centuries. England should be forced to pay Zimbabweans for similar abuses against my people. You are not out of the woods yet by running away to England, you fu….ng fool.