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Analysts yesterday said MDC-T was always ready to “instil fear” and cause “alarm and despondency” among the public.
This follows threats by MDC-T policy co-ordinator Mr Eddie Cross that his party will unleash a wave of violence against Zanu-PF officials if its leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai wins the general election expected later this year.
Political analyst Dr Joseph Kurebwa said Mr Cross’ statements disturbed the peace prevailing in the country.
“Such utterances are unacceptable as they can have a detrimental effect on a country,” he said.
“His statements can create fear and despondency among Zimbabweans which can also disturb the peace we are enjoying.”
Mr Tsvangirai has issued similar threats in the past.
Mr Christopher Mutsvangwa described Mr Cross as a “Rhodesian nostalgist” who will never be given another chance to rule Zimbabwe.
“He still suffers from the former white rulers’ free flow syndrome,” he said.
“He is someone who still hangs back to the colonial Rhodesia and thinks that white liberals can influence the majority of Zimbabweans to be violent.”
Mr Mutsvangwa described MDC-T as a “blank black board”.
“Anyone with a white chalk like Cross can just write what he wants,” he said.
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“Cross is now showing why his party has been advocating changes in the security sector. That will never be allowed to happen in Zimbabwe because we have a solid army and police force that can thwart any form of hooliganism.”
Another political analyst, Professor Jonathan Moyo said MDC-T was run by “Rhodies” who are the architects of violence in the country.
“Whatever these people say must be taken seriously and because it is these same Selous Scouts who impersonated people long back,” he said.
“Authorities must take action because as I speak, people are tired of MDC-T hidden violence whose consequences are public. Cross should be ready to account for
what he said.”
Prof Moyo said Mr Cross’ statements were “deliberately provocative”.
“This person has Rhodesian connections and it is good that the statements come at a time Ms Navanethem Pillay (UN High Commissioner for Human Rights) is in the country,” he said.
Dr Charity Manyeruke, a lecturer in the Department of International Relations at the University of Zimbabwe said Mr Cross was “lost” considering that principals in the inclusive Government had said no to violence before and after elections.
“The parties have made an undertaking to promote peace before and after elections and it is worrying someone is calling for violence after elections,” he said.
“People should take a leaf from the reconciliation that happened after independence.”
In an article titled: “A warning to hardliners”, Mr Cross claimed the MDC-T was keeping a file of Zanu-PF officials the party accuses of committing human rights abuses and would embark on violenbt reprisals.
Zanu-PF has since described Mr Cross’ comments as “wishful thinking”.
Mr Cross claimed President Mugabe could die soon and that Zanu-PF would be forced to choose another leader. He said Zanu-PF officials would have to leave Zimbabwe for their own safety.
This is not the first time Mr Cross has threatened violence against Zanu-PF officials after advocating the destruction of the Zimbabwean economy to abet illegal regime change.
Online Reporter