Three CCC protesters, Phillies Pikitayi, Daphine Gutsa, and Simbarashe Blackson, are currently in remand prison after being arrested for causing public disorder and participating in an unsanctioned protest at the Harare Magistrates Court. They were demanding the release of 79 CCC activists who had been arrested at the home of Jameson Timba, a key figure in a CCC faction loyal to Chamisa, in Avondale, Harare.
The three protesters deserve what has come their way. They wilfully heeded the illegal calls by Gift Ostallos Siziba and Amos Chibaya to participate in illegal protests at the Magistrates Court. Despite being warned against participating in unsanctioned demonstrations, they still took part.
No one should feel any pity or shed any crocodile tears for this lot – they wilfully and consciously chose their bed, prepared it, and should comfortably sleep in it. Remand Prison is no comfort zone, especially in this cold weather. Now they were used and are feeling the pinch on their own, while Siziba and Chibaya are comfortably ensconced in their warm homes.
Opposition activists must learn hard lessons from the experiences of Job Sikhala and these three activists. They should not be used to participate in illegal false militancy that will land them in trouble. The agitators of protests never lead from the front because they are aware it is illegal. Musaitiswe kunge nhingirikini rinoshandiswa roraswa!
