Ethan Mathibela, chairman of the ZNLWVA, has been placed on a security watchlist due to his opposition to President Mnangagwa’s term extension and calls for protests. State Security Minister Lovemore Matuke announced that any demonstrations against the President would be dealt with firmly. A memo instructed border posts to prevent Mathibela from exiting the country. Tensions escalated as unidentified youths disrupted Mathibela’s press briefing.
Ethan Mathibela, the chairman of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), has been placed on a security watchlist, as indicated by a leaked memorandum from the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) sent to border posts. The ZNLWVA is opposing the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s presidency beyond 2028 and has called for nationwide protests to address the ongoing economic crisis and advocate for accountability, transparency, and an end to corruption and poor governance.
In light of these developments, State Security Minister Lovemore Matuke stated that any protests against President Mnangagwa would be managed decisively. The CIO operates under Matuke’s ministry, which reports directly to the Office of the President. Furthermore, police chief Mutamba indicated that he does not possess the authority to sanction protests, thereby raising concerns regarding the feasibility of upcoming demonstrations.
A letter addressed to regional immigration authorities has explicitly instructed them to monitor Mathibela’s movements and deny him exit if he attempts to cross any border posts. The correspondence read, “This office kindly requests that you watchlist the following person of security interest who is a Zimbabwean national: Ethan Mathibela.” It further demanded that any attempt made by Mathibela to exit through designated border posts be reported back to the President’s office.
On Monday, during a press briefing held at the Bulawayo Media Centre, Mathibela’s address was unexpectedly interrupted by unidentified youths, indicating escalating tensions surrounding the war veterans’ movements and rhetoric against the government.
The situation involving Ethan Mathibela highlights the growing tensions between the Zimbabwean government and war veterans who are advocating for significant reforms. With protests planned against President Mnangagwa’s potential term extension, the government’s response is clearly aimed at restricting Mathibela’s movements and suppressing dissent. The political dynamics in Zimbabwe remain precarious as authorities signal readiness to tackle opposition activities decisively and curtail any threats to governmental stability.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
