Mugabe refused sale of anti-riot gear by South Africa, says MDC

By Henry Makiwa
25 October 2007

The Mugabe regime’s plans to acquire state-of-the-art anti-riot gear to use against the opposition ahead of next year’s elections have been foiled, the MDC says.

Allegations that Zanu PF had made proposals to the South African government to buy US$1,5 million worth of military equipment came to light at a meeting convened by Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi and officials from the main opposition party. According to sources privy to details of the discussions, the MDC delegation led by Home Affairs Shadow Minister Sam Sipepa-Nkomo, questioned the sincerity of the government’s statements about investigating the violence faced by the MDC.

It is understood the military gear was to be acquired under the government’s Zimbabwe Defence Industry (ZDI) Company. The transaction included the purchase of hundreds of thousands of teargas canisters and other equipment, as well as gas masks and microscopic laser guns.

The MDC says the equipment would be used in crushing any form of opposition to Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party ahead of the general election scheduled for next March. But according to MDC intelligence the South Africans have refused to clear the sale.

Sipepa-Nkomo said: “Mohadi was well shocked when we mentioned that we were aware of their intentions. We expressed our concern that the gear would be bought under the guise of promoting peace, yet history has taught us that such equipment is used to teach the opposition a lesson.
In addition we also want the minister to make a public statement and ensure the current peace talks get the public’s confidence.”

The MDC team met the Home Affairs chief to discuss the escalating State-sponsored violence against the MDC, which the opposition contends is threatening a regional peace initiative being spearheaded by SA President Thabo Mbeki. Legal and Parliamentary Affairs shadow minister, Innocent Gonese, Health and Social Welfare shadow minister, Kerry Kay, and MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa completed the opposition party’s delegation.