ZIMBABWE’S CIRCUS OF SILENCE: WHISTLEBLOWERS PUNISHED AS CORRUPTION REIGNS FREE
In Zimbabwe, a recent case of alleged whistleblowing has spotlighted a deeply troubling paradox within its governance. Following the lifting of sanctions, accusations have arisen, suggesting the opposition’s supposed strategy of regime change is being unfairly blamed on innocuous actions. Critics argue this is a baseless narrative fueled by paranoia, one that conveniently aligns with the interests of Western capitals perceived as antagonistic towards Zanu PF. This scenario paints a grim picture of a country ensnared by its own leadership’s machinations, where genuine crimes, glaringly evident and substantiated, go unpunished while the innocent suffer for mere allegations.
The case in point involves the notorious Draxgate scandal and a botched attempt to smuggle six kilograms of gold to Dubai, both incidents pointing fingers at high-ranking officials, including the First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa. Yet, despite overwhelming evidence, those at the helm remain untouchable, shielded by a police force criticized as the most misused in the region and a judiciary accused of being under the thumb of the ruling party.
The fundamental question arises: Why are those who expose wrongdoing punished, while those who perpetrate such acts continue unscathed? The answer lies in the depths of Zimbabwe’s political and judicial system, which critics allege has been hijacked by Zanu PF to perpetuate its hold on power. The judiciary, supposedly a bastion of impartiality, is seen as compromised, with veteran judges clinging to their positions, further eroding the constitution to serve the interests of the ruling elite. Such a scenario makes the prospect of an independent judicial commission, free from political influence, seem like a distant dream.
The impunity with which corruption and human rights abuses are carried out stands in stark contrast to the harsh treatment of those who dare to dissent. Historical scandals, such as the derailment of the ZISCO steel plant and the Ministry of Water and Rural Development’s tender scandal with China, exemplify the enduring nature of corruption within the ruling party. Yet, the government’s response to corruption allegations seems selective, often serving more as a tool for political maneuvering rather than genuine accountability.
This selective persecution extends to the suppression of fundamental freedoms, including the right to assembly, expression, and movement. The state’s disproportionate response to peaceful dissent, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and other forms of repression, underscores the ruling party’s fear of losing its grip on power. This fear is not unfounded, as a peaceful transition of power could herald the restoration of the rule of law, judicial independence, and the end of Zanu PF’s long-standing impunity.
The resistance to change within Zimbabwe’s political landscape is symptomatic of a broader issue: the ruling party’s existential dread of accountability and loss of ill-gotten gains. The prospect of facing justice for decades of corruption and human rights violations is a powerful motivator for Zanu PF’s crackdown on dissent. This reality is starkly reflected in the treatment of whistleblowers, who, instead of being hailed as heroes for their courage, find themselves persecuted for challenging the status quo.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s current state is likened to a circus, where the absurdity of punishing the innocent while the guilty roam free is a daily spectacle. The country’s descent into this Kafkaesque reality is a direct consequence of a governance system that prioritizes self-preservation over justice and accountability. The stark disparity between the treatment of whistleblowers and corrupt officials underscores a deeply entrenched culture of impunity, making the fight for a transparent, accountable, and democratic Zimbabwe more crucial than ever.
