- State Security minister says it is concerned with the “never ending calls for demonstrations aimed at diverting Government from pursuing its Vision 2030 agenda and stocking factionalism within Zanu PF.”
State Security Minister Owen Ncube on Monday accused opposition leader Nelson Chamisa and G40 elements of threatening the country’s peace and stability by attempting to smuggle guns and set-up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees that are, for all intents and purposes, violent militia groups.
Speaking during a hastily arranged press conference, Ncube said Zimbabwe’s security and stability is currently under siege from a number of threats being fomented by internal and external actors to make the country ungovernable and justify foreign intervention.
“The objective of this attack is to effect an unconstitutional change of Government following the outcome of the 2018 harmonised elections, which was not favourable to the MDC-Alliance and its foreign backers,” Ncube said.
“As State security arms of Government, we would like to assure citizens that we are watching the environment very closely and that we shall fulfil our mandate of ensuring peace, stability and development in Zimbabwe.”
The State Security Minister added that there are attempts to drive Zimbabwe into chaos.
“Some rogue elements among us, are conniving with some hostile Western governments to smuggle guns and set-up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees that are, for all intents and purposes, violent militia groups,” he said.
“These plans are key components of ‘Operation Lighthouse’, the brainchild of one Western power that seeks to destroy the democratic foundations of Zimbabwe, make the country ungovernable and justify foreign intervention. As the security sector, we shall take concrete action to deal with such threats,” said Ncube.
Ncube said the State Security ministry was concerned with the “never ending calls for demonstrations aimed at diverting Government from pursuing its Vision 2030 agenda and stocking factionalism within Zanu PF”.
“They have gone to the extent of lying that there is a fallout between His Excellency President Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga,” he said.
“We also notice attempts by self-exiled G40 elements such as Professor Jonathan Moyo to destabilise the security services through making false accusations about security services officers who are unwavering in their determination to defend national sovereignty,” Minister Ncube said.
“…No country in the world and no sane people would tolerate elements who openly mobilise to close their country’s borders particularly when the Covid-19 pandemic is threatening lives and the economy.
“In any country, such people would be treated as traitors. At international law, a blockade is tantamount to a declaration of war. Government and state security agents, in particular, have a duty to take appropriate measures to protect the law and integrity of commerce across our borders,” he said.
“…While Government is moving on with its reform agenda, we note the need for the MDC Alliance to reform itself into a normal opposition political party that embraces outcomes of democratic processes and has patience to wait for another opportunity to prove to voters that it deserves their trust,” Ncube added.
