Opposition activist Gift Ostallos Siziba is organizing a protest today at Rotten Row Court in Harare, attempting to mimic violent protests seen in Kenya, using a compliant ZINASU. ZINASU is inciting youths to revolt using the hashtags #Revolution and #OneSolution, aiming to pressure for the release of 78 detained CCC Chamisa faction members. Siziba, eager for a stint in prison to boost his political profile, has incited his supporters to gather at the Magistrates Court, where their bail application will be heard.
Law enforcement authorities must take appropriate action against individuals inciting violence and chaos, including Siziba and ZINASU leaders. Those attempting to disrupt the peace at the Magistrates Court should be held accountable. To maintain order, access to the court should be restricted to individuals directly involved in the legal proceedings.
Siziba seems keen on spending time in jail to raise his political standing, positioning himself as Nelson Chamisa’s successor. Law enforcement must deal with him strictly to reveal his false militancy and deter others.
Youths should learn from past incidents of being used by opportunistic leaders like Siziba. During the 2019 January protests, many were killed, arrested, or injured without any support from the MDC leadership. Similarly, those involved in the Nyatsime violence languished in prison without intervention from opposition leaders. Rational and sensible youths will see through this so-called revolution and choose to ignore it.
