High Court Orders Release of ‘2007 Coup Plotters’ Against Mugabe

SW Radio Africa (London)

Tichaona Sibanda

25 May 2011

The High Court has ordered the release of seven army officers who were arrested four years ago on allegations of planning to oust the former ruling ZANU PF party from power.

The ‘coup plotters,’ who face charges of ‘an intention to remove Robert Mugabe from office by unconstitutional means, and conspiracy to commit treason’, pleaded not guilty when they first appeared in court but have remained in custody since 2007.

The men were accused of planning attacks on military installations and provoking disharmony within the armed, hoping to trigger instability and setting the stage for the ousting of the ZANU PF led government.

The seven former army officers; Albert Matapo, Nyasha Zivuku, Oncemore Mazivahona, Emmanuel Marara, Patson Mupfure, Shingirai Mutemachani and Rangarirai Maziofa, were also accused of trying to replace Mugabe with Defence Minister Emerson Mnangagwa.

Military analysts familiar with ZANU PF’s modus operandi said the crackdown on the army officers was a well calculated move to instill fear among serving members of the defence forces and ordinary citizens of Zimbabwe.

A former member of the Zimbabwe National Army told SW Radio Africa that there have been many reports of ‘attempted coups’ against Mugabe that have been used as a ruse to round up any one perceived as opponents of ZANU PF.

‘We have seen it happen countless times. How many people in Zimbabwe, including academics, journalists, politicians and soldiers have appeared in court facing separate charges of plotting to bring down ZANU PF?

‘Not a single person though has gone to jail facing charges of treason. These are all well calculated manoeuvres to jail foes and to silence opponents,’ the former member of the army said.

Pro-democracy activist John Chikwari said there have always been suspicions that reports of such coups were aimed at creating a climate of fear and provide an excuse for the Joint Operations Command to prolong Mugabe’s rule by cracking down on his opponents.

‘That has been a viable campaign tool that ZANU PF used to great effect but it will not work anymore because Mugabe is now in an inclusive government with other partners,’ Chikwari said.

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