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Obert Gutu

Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter—
MDC-T spokesman Obert Gutu was forced to apologise yesterday after appearing to refer to Zanu-PF politicians as “baboons”. Zanu-PF spokesman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo blasted Gutu, describing him as “primitive” over the comments posted on micro-blogging site, Twitter. Gutu had earlier been tackled by Higher Education Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo over comments made to a news website where he stated that “all right thinking Zimbabweans should celebrate the collapse of Zanu-PF.”

Prof Moyo asked Gutu on Twitter: “Collapse? What collapse?”

And when another blogger suggested to Gutu that Zanu-PF leaders, despite their differences, always come together when it matters, the MDC-T communication czar replied: “It’s a ‘solidarity’ fuelled by thievery! Under a common threat, baboons are known to unite.”

Prof Moyo would not let Gutu get away with the apparent slur, prodding him: “You said baboons are known to unite in a discussion on Zanu-PF factions. I ask you once more, who are the baboons? This is a very serious matter. I will take it further if you continue in this manner. You must withdraw and apologise!”

Gutu wrote back: “To prove that I don’t mean any harm, I’m sorry if I offended you. You’re a Cde and certainly not a baboon. “Let’s have progress, Jonso! Use of the word ‘baboons’ is hereby withdrawn. No insults, please!”

Prof Moyo pressed harder for the apology: “You insult people and demand progress? You referred to Zanu-PF as baboons. Please withdraw and apologise unconditionally! What do you mean if you offended me? You referred to ‘baboons’ and not ‘baboon’. Please withdraw unconditionally!”

After unsuccessfully trying to defend himself under a torrent of criticism from other Twitter users, Gutu finally conceded: “I withdraw the use of the word baboons and I apologise to anyone who might have been offended. Case closed.”

Zanu-PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo described Gutu’s utterances as irresponsible and said the revolutionary party had no time to waste on such people. “We’re a respectable and civilised party and we expect all Zimbabweans, regardless of their political affiliation to be decent citizens. We believe in building a society of dignity and unity and we don’t expect anyone to indulge in such primitive language,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.