MDC-T Treasurer speaks about violent Kadoma attack

Posted by Tererai Karimakwenda on Friday, November 2, 2012 in MDC-T, Zimbabwe politics | 60 comments

Some of the injuries John Kinnaird sustained

By Tererai Karimakwenda
02 November 2012

The brutal assault on an MDC-T official and his wife, which happened Wednesday night in Kadoma, has fuelled anger among Zimbabweans and sparked fears that political violence is intensifying ahead of elections due next year.

The attack has also focused attention on Robert Mugabe, who on several occasions recently said publicly that he wants peace and tolerance between party supporters. Critics are now questioning the ZANU PF leader’s sincerity, saying he must order police to arrest all known perpetrators and investigate incidents that are reported.

The MDC-T Treasurer for Midlands North, John Kinnaird and his wife Jackie, were assaulted by a group of four ZANU PF thugs who broke into their home in Kadoma Wednesday night and escaped with $2,000 and two cell phones.

The thugs wore ZANU PF regalia and dropped a ZANU PF bandana during the attack. John Kinnaird said they kept asking for money, appearing to be robbers after some cash. But he believes the assault was politically motivated.

Kinnaird spoke to SW Radio Africa on Friday, just as his wife was coming out of surgery to treat the broken arm she sustained during the attack. He said: “I don’t believe for a minute that it was a simple robbery. I just believe strongly that there was a political motive.”

Kinnaird explained that there were two laptops next to the money taken by the thugs and his wife’s jewellery was on a dressing table next to that as well. He added that his legs were tied and his wife was incapacitated by the time the thugs left, but they did not take any other valuables.

“I think the fact that I am becoming increasingly popular here in Kadoma and Eiffel Flats is the reason that I was targeted. They were trying to bully me into giving up my political activism. I’ve been an activist since 1999 and I will not bow down to any bullies,” Kinnaird stressed.

There has also been criticism of the MDC-T, for continuing to do business as usual while their innocent supporters are being victimised by ZANU PF and agents of the state, including the police and soldiers.
According to medical reports 56-year old John Kinnaird sustained multiple head wounds and required 14 stitches. He also suffered a fractured right arm and deep puncture wounds on his legs and just below his throat. These were the result of repeated blows with a metal wheel spanner.

His wife Jackie got a bruised throat where she was almost strangled by the ZANU PF youth. She also has a compound fracture on her left arm, which was operated on Friday afternoon.

Kinnaird explained that whenever Robert Mugabe speaks publicly of peace and non-violence, it seems the opposite situation prevails and violence flares up soon after that.

“My experience in my political life is that when Mugabe starts talking about peace, what happens on the ground is diametrically opposite. There are now targeted acts of intimidation and violence against known MDC-T supporters like myself,” Kinnaird explained.

He said the police told him on Friday that they have no leads and no clues that they can investigate. Yet they took a weapon that was left in his house by one of the assailants. According to Kinnaird, the police just seemed uninterested.

This attack is just the latest in the ongoing violence against anyone perceived to support the opposition.

See images here
[flickr-gallery mode="photoset" photoset="72157631903071469"]

wilbert_mukori

This continued violence means people should vote NO in the coming referendum and force Mugabe to end this madness.
It was agreed by the three parties in the GPA and endorsed by SADC that fresh elections would be held after a number of conditions have been fulfilled including the implementation of a number of democratic reforms and the writing of a new constitution and its acceptance in national referendum. Whilst Mugabe can claim with some justification that he has implemented the reforms he cannot do the same about the constitution which is why he will keen to see the COPAC draft voted yes.

What Zimbabweans must realize is that this COPAC draft is not going to end the violence and deliver free and fair elections. It is not the democratic constitution they were promised and we deserve nothing short of a democratic constitution.

Mugabe has already had a head start, this election is NOT going to be free and fair because there is no free media or has the mess in the voters’ roll been sorted – two key reforms Mugabe has refused to implement. If Mugabe gets a yes vote in the referendum then there will be no stopping him continuing in his tyrannical ways. Only a NO vote will stop him now!
- http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze
  
  My understanding is that all leaders of the MDC formations have endorsed the COPAC draft document. It is not being forced down their throats as you want us to believe. It seems to me you are wasting your time on a wild-goose chase or futile pursuit if you can not explain and provide concrete evidence why the draft document is not democratic.
  - wilbert_mukori
    
    I never said Mugabe “forced” the Copac draft down Tsvangirai or anyone in the MDC – anyone except the ordinary Zimbabweans’ – throat. people)
    - Chimbwido Warvet
      
      You are making the assumption that the Zimbabwean people are gullible, stupid, ill- educated and consequently are incapable of making informed decisions unless they get advice from you. I do no think you are qualified to give advice to the people of Zimbabwe if you can provide detailed information as to why they should not go along with the position taken by leaders of GPA to give their support to the COPA initiative.
      - wilbert_mukori
        
        You talk of the leaders of the GPA as if they are Gods who can do no wrong and you really think the the people of Zimbabwe are that gullible to buy that! If the people of Zimbabwe were not denied their basic right to free and fair elections they would have thrown out these GPA leaders years ago – especial Mugabe!
        If there is one thing the people of Zimbabwe know and do not need anyone like me to tell them about is that they want this culture of violence to end. There is no press freedom and freedom of expression and the public media is there to brain wash people and so the ordinary people have to rely on people like Tsvangirai. So when the PM tells them the Copac constitution will end violence and deliver free elections; they believe him. Well someone has to tell the people the truth and, if I may say so, I do not need permission from you or anyone to speak.
      - Chimbwido Warvet
        
        Silvery please let us have a constructive dialogue. There is no need to get emotional over this matter. I will be the first to tell you that none of us has a solution to the problems bedevilling our country. What I said is my personal opinion which may not necessarily be correct, so don’t be emotional.
      - wilbert_mukori
        
        Cannot think of anything more constructive that reminding you that the right to express one’s opinions does not extend to silencing others!
      - Yepec
        
        “Well someone has to tell the people the truth and, if I may say so, I do not need permission from you or anyone to speak and never will”, provided you tell the truth, point out the faults and say out your option, Wilbert. For the time being, leave propaganda alone – it is for Jonathan Moyo, Rugare Gumbo and Mahoso.
      - wilbert_mukori
        
        I have spoken the truth and it is up to you to prove it is not the truth and not just dismiss it as propaganda.
    - Yepec
      
      Wilbert, besides aiming your propaganda on Tsvangirai, can you provide the readers with simple strategy on how you intend to bring democracy to Zimbabweans?
      - wilbert_mukori
        
        Saying that Tsvangirai should have pushhed for the implementation of the democratic reforms and ensured the Copac draft was a democratic one is not propaganda it is stating the reality. And saying that Tsvangirai did not do these things because he was globe-trotting and chasing women is not propaganda either; it is true! You blind loyalty to Tsvangirai is your problem not mine!
      - Yepec
        
        Wilbert, lets cut the ambiguities from this discussion. Your job is to urge the electorate to vote NO in the Referendum. After they have voted per your instructions then the next thing is to inform them of the strategy or steps they must take in order to get to democracy. Essentially, that is what has and is being asked of you. At this time, forget about the faults of your nemesis Tsvangirai who supports the Copac Draft.. .
- Yepec
  
  This is a very, uninformed, opinionated and subjective commenting on the Copac Draft without distinguishing it from the Lancaster House Constitution. Wilbert, you are requested to put propaganda aside; clearly state what are your steps and the strategy for getting democracy into Zimbabwe?
  - http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze
    
    Having read the COPAC draft in full, I now follow you line of argument Yepec which is correct. Quite frankly, Wilbert is a prolific writer who can write better English than most English speaking people and is capable of persuading gullible people to follow his line of thought although he has no clue to what he is talking about.
    - wilbert_mukori
      
      I do not doubt for a minute that you have read the Copac draft is full and now that you have; please quote the clause(s) which you believe will help end Zimbabwe’s culture of violence.
      - http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze
        
        I am not going to preempt which laws the next House of Assembly of Zimbabwe will consider. Quite frankly, it will be the responsibility of the peoples’ representatives of the next Parliament to consider in order of priority which laws need to enacted.
      - wilbert_mukori
        
        In other words you have read the copac constitution and you could find nothing in it that would in any way stop the thuggery of Chipangano gang. And you are now pinning your hopes on the post 2013 parliament to enact laws to stop the thugs. Chipangano thugs will decide who win in 2013 and only an idiot would think the winner will want Chipangano in jail the day after the elections!
      - http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze
        
        You are irredeemable Wilbert. I give up on this one. Bye for now
  - wilbert_mukori
    
    So my views are “very uninformed, opnionated and subjective”; well that is your opinion and your are welcome to it.
    You love talking of “steps and strategies” as if you have any yourself. All you have offered here is that we should the misery “incremental changes” offered in this Copac draft and hope for the best. There is no strategic thinking in that my friend. That is plain stupid!
    We set out in 2008 to write a democratic constitution, we know what we wanted that constitution to deliver and we also know that this Copac rubbish is NOT going to deliver even the bare minimum of the rights and freedoms. We must reject this rubbish and demand that a proper constitution is written; simple and straight forward. It is that simple, Yepec!
- 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.
  - wilbert_mukori
    
    I quoted from the South African constitution only to
    illustrate how they had robustly addressed the problem of the Army, Police and Intelligence
    Agency from carrying out their duties in a partisan manner or worse still, as
    is now common place in Zimbabwe, from carrying the acts of terror and murder themselves!
    If Zimbabwe’s own “home grown constitution” addressed the same problem equally robustly
    so the nation can now confidently say the culture of violence is over; no one
    would be more pleased than I.
    
    President Jiang Zemin, the man accredited with pulling 150
    million Chinese peasants out of a life of abject poverty in the 1990s and
    putting China on the sound economic growth footing, a growth path the country
    still enjoys to this day; abandoned Chairman Mao Zedong’s failed socialism in
    favour of market economy. “Who cares about the colour of the cat, as long as it
    catches mice!” President Zemin argued. I subscribe to that completely!
    
    I reject the warped logic that we must accept the Copac
    draft constitution because it is “home-grown” even if it will not do the job.
    This Copac draft constitution will not end Zimbabwe’s culture of violence or
    deliver the people’s basic rights including the right to a meaningful say in
    the country’s governance and the right to life itself!
    
    I have quoted a clause in the SA constitution that will stop
    anyone in their Police or Army from taking part in political motivated violence.
    Please quote a clause in the Copac draft constitution that will serve the same purpose
    in Zimbabwe?
    
    I agree the UK has no written constitution and yes its
    citizens have enjoyed rights and freedoms we in Zimbabwe cannot even dream
    about. Zimbabwe is NOT UK, we have a written constitution, the Lancaster House
    Constitution, which everyone has accepted has failed to deliver even the most
    basic rights and freedoms. We now have a chance to write a new constitution,
    one that will at least end this madness of political violence. As I have
    already said this Copac draft cannot even do that which is why in the upcoming referendum
    the people must reject it!
    - Chimbwido Warvet
      
      To make arguments with Wilbert is a sheer waste of time for once he takes a position, he will not move even by a millimetre even where he is wrong. Wilbert should realise that the leaders of GPA had no mandate in writing the laws of the country. If they had done so, the people of Zimbabwe would have rejected it outright because the laws of the country is the preserve of the peoples’ representatives in Parliament or in layman’s language the members of Parliament. These are the people who are tasked with making laws of the country.
      Wilbert’s fears are, therefore, unfounded as his fears will be addressed by the next Parliament, come the March 2013 general elections. In essence, laws of the country are not made are not made by Mugabe, Tsvangirai, Ncube and neither were those tasked in compiling the COPAC draft constitution given the mandate to write the laws of the country. It is the responsibility of members of Parliament of the next House of Assembly of Zimbabwe who should write the laws of the country. I have made it very simple and if Wilbert can not appreciate these efforts, I give up.
      - pissed off with zanu
        
        ok piss off
      - http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze
        
        But Chimbwido Warvet has said it with concise and precise brevity. This is how laws of any country are made, believe it or not, who cares.
      - wilbert_mukori
        
        Nonsense! The constitution the mother of all the laws; if the mother is weak, diseased and feeble the off spring will not be any better. The daughter laws cannot be expected to give the citizens of Zimbabwe what the mother law had been deliberately written to deny them!
      - Yepec
        
        The scientist who invented the concept of a blackhole, must have had “Wilbert Mukori” in mind. Despite the irrationality and wrong views exhibited, more of the same is forthcoming .You are well qualified to open a give away business eventhough nobody will take anything you offer – purpose is to show your true colours..
      - wilbert_mukori
        
        Thought you had said good bye! No one “invented the concept of a blackhole” and nothing absolutely nothing comes out of a blackhole. You have once again made a complete idiot of yourself. Tell you what confine your shallow comments to blackholes and leave copac alone; your nonsense in former are harmless and in the latter they could cost human lives!
      - wilbert_mukori
        
        You are wrong and you know it. I will readly move not just a millimetre but a thousand miles but on one condition and one condition only if you give me one good reason to do so! It is now academic whether it is the people or COPAC of the principals who did what and when. What matters now is that this rubbish will not end the culture of violence and therefore must be rejected. It is nonsense to suggest that parliament should be trusted to put things right when the process of electing such a parliament is so diffective that it will only elect corrupt and incompetent MPs whose interests will be in maintaining the status quo and not to change it!
      - Chimbwido Warvet
        
        I am too sure if we could characterise this discourse as academic and you know it is true. Don’t pretend to be daft because I am convinced you are one of the few guys who contribute on this site who is quite smart. I usually do not pass such comments to the irrational and foolish because you are certainly not in that league. Having said this, you have traits I have observed over the years I have been reading your articles. Once you take a position no matter how wrong, it is uncharacteristic of you to change course.
        Even if the proposed referendum gives the COPAC initiative a go-ahead, it will not automatically become the constitution of Zimbabwe before it is fully debated in Parliament. The quality of any constitution very much depends on the quality of people the people of Zimbabwe choose as their representatives in Parliament. It is as simple as that Wilbert.
      - wilbert_mukori
        
        Which MPs do you expect to “fully debate” and improve the copac draft once it is passed in the referendum? The same MPs who send it to the referendum with the same short comings? You are arguing in a circle and only an idiot would be moved.
        
        Tsvangirai claimed in July, when the copac draft was released, that he would get SADC to force Mugabe to accept all the other agreed democratic reforms without which every ones the elections will be a repeat of the 2008. He has not made any progress on that front and Mugabe has already said there will be no more reforms.
        
        Thje only thing Mugabe is now waiting for to hold fresh elections – set to be a repeat of 2008 – is for the copac draft to be endorsed in a referendum. The only way Zimbabweans can stop Mugabe from once again denying them their basic right to a free vote and save themselves from another orgy of intimidation, beatings, rape and murder is to vote NO to this copac rubbish.
        
        Vote NO to copac and put Chipangano out of business!
        
        Vote NO to copac and derail the gravy train!
      - Yepec
        
        Live happily forever. Bye Bye Wilbert..
      - wilbert_mukori
        
        Thank you Yepec. I hope you will find the courage to take off the blinkers and see there is a lot more to life than the tunnel vision you have forced upon yourself. When that happens you will see Tsvangirai for the blundering idiot he is. You will kick yourself for having support this copac rubbish.
david taylor

I am always amazed at the resilience and determination expressed by Zimbabweans brutally beaten by Mugabe’s thugs.

I remember speaking to a friend of mine who had been dragged from his hut by ZANU-PF supporters prior to the 2008 elections.

He and his family (who were totally apolitical) had been severely beaten with iron bars and poles, and had suffered broken limbs and severe head injuries.

I saw in his eyes that now more than ever he would not be beaten into submission.
- http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze
  
  What evidence is there for you to make this conclusive judgement? Surely a man who was beaten and robbed by criminals can not be attributed to ZANU PF. The nonsense that you read on this site can never be used as the truth of what actually occurred as this news outlet has an agenda which is very well known, which is that of discrediting the ruling party ZANU PF. Quite frankly it is the mouthpiece for Rhodesians in the diaspora and the MDC. This view which can be supported by empirical evidence can not be disputed as we notice it everyday we read their articles. If you accept their views which are lopsided in favor of the MDC and Rhodesians, then I am afraid you are going to have many enemies. You should read between the lines anything peddled by SW Radio Africa.
  - david taylor
    
    The evidence that this was a political act of violence is quite clear Kossam. If this was a one-off event, I might consider it a simple robbery, but there is a pattern to this.
    
    These people were wearing ZANU-PF bandanas. The people who were severely brutalized were active members of a political party other than ZANU-PF. The level of violence suggests that political hate was involved.
    
    And of course the police (who seem to be reluctant to address political violence) are again showing their reluctance. Which suggests it was political.
    
    On this one I am inclined to go with SW Radio.
    - super mondo
      
      if this man shot and killed his attackers ,what would happen to him.thought
    - http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze
      
      ‘These people were wearing ZANU-PF bandannas.’ This is highly improbable as this can only be done by enemies of ZANU PF. What would be the motive for supporters of ZANU to show or leave behind their identity when it is clear to all and sundry that a crime had been committed? Any rational and logical person will tell you this is impossible.
      - pasinejongwe
        
        “This is highly improbable as this can only be done by enemies of ZANU ”
        
        Finally showing your true colours. Political assassination by zanu goes back to patrick kombayi and earlier. The whole point of wearing zanu regalia at the scene of the crime was to intimidate – its also why higher value items like laptops were not stolen -this was a political crime. Of course you already know all of this…… let me guess no arrests and a disappearing police docket on the horizon?
      - http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze
        
        Let us stick to the issues under consideration for I will not be diverted to talk about Patrick Kombayi because it has nothing to do with the Kadoma attack. Relevancy to issues under discussion should be our guiding principle. It can not be simpler than this.
      - super mondo
        
        your anti democratic utterances are very obvious.if you cant make realistic comments try toytoying on the herald not here.
      - http://www.facebook.com/kmutsinze Kossam Mutsinze
        
        When are you going to learn to respect the views of others. I was merely responding to the article by David Taylor, a well polished man. Although he does not necessarily agree with my views, he does not attack my person but looks at the issues under consideration objectively. That is how it should be Super Mondo. I do not expect you to agree with me knowing you political philosophy which is in of the MDC and Rhodesians in the diaspora, but for Heaven’s sake, if you have issues with me, say so in ways that are rational and logical.
  - super mondo
    
    how many names are you hiding behind chimpus
Anonymous

Truely speaking , enough is enough, the MDC(T) needs to do something to support its supporters rather than watchung out silently.
- Chimbwido Warvet
  
  This is why the unlawful use of physical force and intimidation will never come to a stop when the country has people like you who incite violence. People will get hurt with this attitude.
- Chimbwido Warvet
  
  This is why the unlawful use of physical force and intimidation will never come to a stop when the country has people like you who incite violence. People will get hurt with this attitude.
- Chimbwido Warvet
  
  This is why the unlawful use of physical force and intimidation will never come to a stop when the country has people like you who incite violence. People will get hurt with this attitude.
- Chimbwido Warvet
  
  This is why the unlawful use of physical force and intimidation will never come to a stop when the country has people like you who incite violence. People will get hurt with this attitude.
- Chimbwido Warvet
  
  This is why the unlawful use of physical force and intimidation will never come to a stop when the country has people like you who incite violence. People will get hurt with this attitude.
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
Elvic

mugabe and Smith were so much alike, just bloody racists.
- Pasinejongwe
  
  True- inside Robert Mugabe is an Ian Smith dying to break out. See how the man has kept the coloniual era trappings of the opening of parliament?
- Chimbwido Warvet
  
  It becomes racist because one white guy has been attacked by tsotsis. That is stupid rhodie.
Igwe

I do not want to be political but this tells me that something is very wrong here.
- Chimbwido Warvet
  
  It will only be political when a white guy has been attacked by tsostis. We need to screw up your head to find what is in there. This is a criminal act. Politics does not come into it, you sausages.
  - Anonymous
    
    Chimp-weedo, you filthy piece of dhodhi. This has all the hallmarks of zanupf. You say you live in the UK. How would you know anything?
    - Chimbwido Warvet
      
      We also need to screw up your greasy mind to establish if is a functional one. If my four-year daughter is convinced it is a made up story,it is no wonder you are so crazy and stupid to believe Chimbwido Warvet lives in England. What a charlatan and idiotic. Icho
      - Anonymous
        
        My humble apologies. I was slow off the mark this morning after a hectic night assisting innocent victims who were savagely beaten up by zanu thugs.
        I should have realised that your forte is being a liar.
        You emulate your master well. Icho!
      - TheVoiceofReason
        
        Nyoni – you are my new hero!! This guy is a lying bufoon!!
      - Chimbwido Warvet
        
        Of course they were beaten for a reason we do not know. To sell your story positively, it may help if you tell the readership why they beaten up? My mother used to tell me that everything happens for a reason,
TheVoiceofReason

Who cares what colour he is!!! He is a Zimbabwean, for God’s sake!! This is just another incidence of zanu-pf savagery being totally ignored by Tsvangirai and MDC-T.
Down with the COPAC constitution – it is utter nonsense and will not help the average man in the street one little bit!!!

MDC-T Treasurer speaks about violent Kadoma attack

audio archive 24th May 2013

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