Vusumuzi Dube
Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor
A ZIMBABWEAN man who has since acquired United Kingdom citizenship was last Friday jailed three years after he posted numerous videos on social media calling for the bombing of the ruling Zanu-PF and attacks on soldiers and the police in the country.
The UK-based activist was convicted of inciting public violence in Zimbabwe.
According to online publications, William Chinyanga (52), who admitted to the offence, live-streamed a number of speeches on Facebook protesting against Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, and encouraged bombings and attacks on soldiers and police.
He was found guilty in two of the four charges and acquitted of two others after a trial at Kingston Crown Court where he stood charged with “encouraging terrorism” and calling for the violent overthrow of the Zimbabwean Government.
Commander Richard Smith, who leads the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, was quoted as saying:
“It was a report from a member of the public that brought Chinyanga’s speeches to the attention of police.
“That person did the right thing, and this case shows that we will follow up on all reports and take action when needed. We would strongly urge anyone who sees anything online which promotes terrorism to report it to police.
“Chinyanga sought to reach as wide an audience as possible when he took to social media to encourage violent action against the current government in his native Zimbabwe. Dangerous rhetoric of this nature can and does have harmful real-world consequences.”
Chinyanga is on record complaining about the lack of assistance from CCC circles, including leader Nelson Chamisa, whom he said blocked his number, compared with the sort of assistance that Job Sikhala is getting for his Zimbabwean trial on similar charges.
“CCC has never offered their support for me during these trying times, they are only concerned about Job Sikhala,” he said.
Chinyanga lived with his wife and children in Archway, North London, and worked as a part-time supply teacher in Ruislip, West London.
According to British media, prosecutor Sean Larkin told jurors: “Chinyanga was a long-standing opponent of the Zimbabwe regime. He had made speeches both before and after those speeches.
“Although you will consider these speeches separately, taking them in the round, in the course of these speeches he encouraged his followers to bomb the headquarters of Zanu-PF, the ruling party of Zimbabwe.
“He encouraged followers to bomb the motorcade of the leader of Zanu-PF; to bomb petrol stations, it seems with a view to disrupt the economy and bring about revolution; to attack police officers in their cars; to attack soldiers; and he encouraged his followers to share his speeches with others.”
Following his initial arrest, Chinyanga admitted that he made a speech and that he wanted to overthrow and replace the Government of Zimbabwe, jurors heard.
In the course of the investigation, police became aware of the other speeches, and he was arrested again and answered no comment in a second interview.
Mr Larkin said: “The prosecution case is he went far beyond legitimate complaint or protest against the Government and committed the offence for which he is charged.
“When he made those four speeches he intended or was reckless as to whether members of the public were being encouraged or otherwise induced to commit, prepare or instigate acts of terrorism.”
Most countries take a very dim view of incitement of violence and jail terms are common, despite what some CCC leaders say in Zimbabwe.
CCC has been accused of inciting public violence ahead of international summits to provoke and generate negative news against the Government.
Online Reporter