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Freeman Razemba Harare Bureau—
THE MDC-T is now desperate for relevance and has hijacked illegal demonstrations fronted on social media by some shadowy organisations as part of illegal regime change in Zimbabwe. The embattled opposition party’s popularity has been waning of late after its leader revealed that he is battling colon cancer. After realising that they are fast losing ground to the shadowy organisations — #Tajamuka and #Thisflag — MDC-T has organised a series of counter demonstrations.

The party’s youth leader Mr James Chidhakwa yesterday said they will engage in illegal actions and demonstrations in the next coming weeks ostensibly to oust Government. “We are ready to carry out more demonstrations and mega actions will take place in a few months to come,” he said.

“The (MDC-T) youths will be at the forefront of these actions. We will not even be scared by the police as we also know that they are also fed up and hungry too.” Mr Chidhakwa said this at Harvest House after welcoming their leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai who had dodged public appearances due to declining health.

Several rowdy youths blocked the road, singing and chanting party slogans after the arrival of Mr Tsvangirai while some of them were drinking opaque beer. Others insulted members of the police who had been deployed to maintain peace.

Mr Chidhakwa said Mr Tsvangirai was now fit and ready to carry out more demonstrations countrywide. “That is the reason why he is up there (in Harvest House), convening an executive meeting. They are also discussing issues to do with more demonstrations countrywide,” he said.

Plans for violent activities by MDC-T come at a time when the police have reiterated firm alertness to thwart all illegal activities. Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri recently said: “Let us maintain the peace and tranquility that we are enjoying in the country. If we lose it, it will be difficult to regain.

“Why I am saying this is? There are elements bent on fomenting public disorder with others acting as cheer leaders. This should not be allowed at all.” Comm Gen Chihuri said this while addressing senior army officers at the National Defence College in Harare on Wednesday.

Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo on Wednesday also assured the public of adequate security in the country. Meanwhile, the second day of the two-day stayaway called by elements of regime change was a non-event.

Yesterday, Zimbabweans went about their daily businesses across the country thereby dealing a heavy blow to the organisers of the so-called shutdown Zimbabwe campaign.