THE alleged abduction of Dr Peter Magombeyi, the Zimbabwe Hospitals Doctors Association (ZHDA) president was, for want of a better word, heartrending.
To most Zimbabweans, Peter had hitherto been little known except among his peers within the medical fraternity where he probably embodies their voice.
At the time of Magombeyi’s “abduction”, Zim Morning Post understands that there was a stalemate between the ZHDA and government over the former’s working conditions, particularly salaries, which were deemed as dehumanising.
When Magombeyi, acting president of the ZHDA was finally “abducted” at his Budiriro home in Harare government naturally became the prime suspect.
Apparently for effect and to probably attract President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s attention, the doctors decided to “storm” Munhumutapa Building, the citadel of the Government of Zimbabwe’s operations, something which was bound to be repealed anywhere.
But Foreign Affairs minister Sibosiso Moyo refuted the allegations: “The government, under the new dispensation is totally averred to any practices that put the lives of any of our citizens in danger.”
Information ministry’s Ndabaningi Mangwana also chipped in: “Acts of terror are ultimately threats to the security of the State,” adding, “There is no rhyme nor reason for the State to undermine itself.“
So, who abducted ZHDA president, Magombeyi and why?
There are several schools of thought with regards to abductions, with some associating them with politics, religion and the economy.
Ever since formation of the MDC political party in 1999 by the late Morgan Tsvangirai and others, Zimbabwe has mostly endured a rough political patch, with the ruling Zanu PF and labour aligned party counter accusing each other of fomenting violence.
Perception has, however, tended to apportion more blame on the ruling Zanu PF party, alleging the latter’s desire to hold on to power at all costs as its motivation.
But following the ouster of the regime of the late former President Robert Mugabe from power in November 2017, the “New Dispensation” of Mnangagwa has laid claim to a metamorphosis, saying as party and government they deserved to be treated differently.
Some senior Zanu PF members have even accused “alleged opposition party activists” of fabricating abductions in efforts to draw sympathy from both the local and international communities.
At Zim Morning Post we think its absurd that one would afflict serious injuries to themselves, if only to demonise their political foes and probably accept a reward here and there.
With Rome on fire, here at Zim Morning Post we do not subscribe to political gamesmanship and yo-yoing, but urge engagement among all politicians, particularly between the main opposition political party, MDC and the ruling Zanu PF party.
It’s not about abductions per se, but getting the economic and development fundamentals right.
For all we know at Zim Morning Post, time is not on our side!