CCC threatens ‘violent protests’ as courts continue to disappoint

By Staff Writer

THE Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has threatened to call for demonstrations in the wake of grave disappointments in biased court rulings delivered each time they seek legal recourse.

The opposition says it has endured   successive blows from what they describe as a highly compromised judiciary system.

In 2018, they approached the courts after the Zimbabwe Elections Commission (ZEC) decaled President Emmerson Mnangagwa to winner on account of questionable figures.

The trend has been endless since then ranging from double candidates imposed by the controversial Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ) in the 2023 elections as well as harassment, voter intimidation and violence.

So glaring were the trends to the extent that even the usually cautious SADC could not stomach the inconsistencies which were widely condemned in its elections report.

In fact the majority of the observer missions condemned the polls outcome due to the undeniable irregularities.

As if not enough, the Parliament proceeded to act on a fake letter withdrawing CCC MPs issued by one Sengezo Tshabangu who claims to the party’s interim Secretary General.

Despite the opposition notifying the legislature over the ‘fakeness’ of Tshabangu and even court challenges to overturn the decision, none of that would be entertained.

Frustrated by the biases and rising degree of intolerance, CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi warned that violent protests could be the only way out going into the near future.

“We have done everything possible to comply with the law in terms of the formation and design of our party, there is no single illegality in our processes,” said Mkhwananzi.

“We have continued to give the courts an opportunity to demonstrate their impartiality and professionalism, and this is such an opportunity.

“There are many other options that are available to us which we have just parked because we are following certain processes and strategies that I am not at liberty to disclose at this point.

“Should such a time come our Citizens National Assembly will take a resolution and announce it to the nation as to the course of action that we will be taking thereafter.

“Of course, Mnangagwa is not concerned about the progress of our nation, about the welfare of our people but we are and the people of Zimbabwe should be.

“We continue to follow every process that is permissible in a democratic society, legally, politically and in negotiations but there will come a time where we are going to say we are putting this matter into the court of public opinion so that the people of Zimbabwe can take their destiny into their own hands but that is not the time yet.”

The CCC Mabvuku-Tafara ousted legislator who was denied the right to contest, Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi told the media Saturday that time has to come for massive uprisings.

 “They are squeezing us to the bone and pushing us towards a One-Party State.We believe that they did this to attain a two-thirds majority so they amend the constitution and allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to be a life president.

“As Zimbabweans, it is high time we stand up because we cannot continue being ruled by this heartless government. People are really angry.

“They took away the life of an innocent pastor who was campaigning; if they had known that they would just take the seat they should have spared his life because now they have destroyed his family’s future.”

A High Court ruling on Thursday barred recalled CCC MPs from re-contesting their seats under their party card after Tshabangu indicated they had ceased to be their members.

His argument has been disputed by CCC President Nelson Chamisa who has maintained Tshabangu is being used by Zanu PF to destroy the party.

Tshabangu on the other hand has made good use of court judgements passed in his favour by continuously recalling Chamisa’s lieutenants. He has recalled 14 MPs, eight Senators and Councillors from across the country based on them having seized to be CCC members.

Below is a Twitter thread for CCC mobilizing protests;

1/7.The democracy is under siege, and the sons and daughters of this country are being trampled upon. It is crucial for us to stand up and be counted. The courts have proven beyond doubt that they are captured by the regime in Harare, with their midnight dodgy ruling in favor of the oppressor.

2/7.As a law-abiding movement, we have utilized all available legal remedies to address the ongoing political and constitutional crisis. It is now evident that we need to explore other solutions provided for in the constitution. The will of the people must be respected and heard!

3/7.You voted in large numbers for change and better governance in the August fraudulent elections, but the regime in Harare continues to violate your constitutional rights.

4/7.As citizens, we can no longer simply talk, sit and complain. It is now time to defend our constitutional rights and secure our own future, as well as that of the next generation!

5/7.We have drawn a line in the sand, and they have dared to cross it. The future demands individuals, both men and women, who are willing to stand up and defend the Zimbabwe constitution. We need a conscientious generation that is ready to protect our country from the selfish few, corrupt and unelectable kleptocratic government.

6/7.The time is always right to do what is right! We must unite and proudly defend our flag from this existential threat.

7/7.The question is: Are you ready to be the change? Because we certainly are!