In my years at the Sunday Mail, editor Willie Musarurwa would call us into his office and ask a simple question. What is the story line?
In this letter, I suggest that we settle on the idea that cruel and unusual treatment of former Zanu PF stalwart, former Foreign Affairs minister, Walter Mzembi plays into the hands of Zimbabwe’s enemies. Walter distinguished himself at the Ministry of Tourism, is brilliant and has the gift of clarity of thought.
It is generally agreed that in that position, he brought the portfolio and the world of tourism home to Zimbabwe. In Africa, Zimbabwe is ahead of South Africa as a tourist destination, largely due to his efforts.
But, like most Zanu PF stalwarts, he often forgot that one day, he became part of a cruel and heartless system, forgetting that one day he might find himself a guest of that system in a prison cell.
While Walter walked on water as Tourism minister, he had the world at his feet. The job of deputy manager at the World Tourism Centre in New York was offered, but Zimbabwe’s then president Robert Mugabe thought he could be more useful at Foreign Affairs minister at home.
His star in Robert Mugabe’s government was rising.
His Cuban born wife, Babara Henandez, a chemist and a fashionista found her niche in Zimbabwe in no time at all, entering the agricultural chemical business while at the same time managing a multi-faceted tourist company.
With six children, perhaps a farming atmosphere would be the place to raise their brood. Mzembi bought a farm.
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Walter’s mistakes can be explained away. As we speak, Walter is languishing in a rotten Zimbabwean prison, the worst of the worst. Brother Hopewell, who was once a guest, has told us that sometimes there are as many as 10 people in one room, and the toilet commode in the room can overflow.
As we go to press (September 10) Hopewell says that an official at the prison service has told him that Walter “is looking very dark and his eyes are pale.” He spends most of his time sleeping.
The prison service is not known for having any commendable health service at all. His presence there is a death sentence for certain in due of the fact that he suffered from colon cancer before.
When Walter was riding high, it entered his mind to “invade” (Zimbabwe English) a white widow’s farm, Mitchell, then 84.
The late husband, Mitchell, was by all accounts a righteous man, who had developed chicken hatcheries using local resources. He was much beloved by the natives who pronounced the word “KwaMichere” with respect.
They said that Michere often enjoyed sadza with his neighbours, a sign of humility.
But Walter was a stalwart Zanu PF apparatchik, by invading kwaMichere and throwing the widow out of her farmhouse, he was polishing his credentials.
In order to win accolades (nyembe) in Zanu PF, one has to do something utterly ridiculous and stupid. The brother had a farm, why he needed a widow’s livelihood defeats me.
Nevertheless, compared to other stalwarts, Walter is a small-time sinner. The unforgivable commission was his association with Sister Grace Mugabe-a sin he could not avoid.
Handsome, erudite in speech, he was the “stuff” with which Sister Grace surrounded herself, the manly matadors.
There are rumours that the sister had other uses for these matadors as well.
In any case, president Mugabe had chosen him for his inner circle.
This sin can be explained away. He had no choice in the matter.
If Wilbert Mukori had not raised the issue, I would have kept my mouth shut. The story line, according to Brother Wilbert, is that these Zanu PF stalwarts never entertain the thought that one day, they may be at the other side of the bench.
If that is so, what is to be the attitude of Zimbabweans towards these stalwarts, when they find themselves in hot water.
Wilbert suggests that Walter returned to Zimbabwe because he ran out of money.
“One plausible explanation is that Walter Mzembi returned to Zimbabwe because his slush fund was spent. Other… G40 leaders, had put aside far more cash and valuable assets for a rainy day from their wholesale looting in Zimbabwe. Poor Walter Mzembi’s hoard was not so well stocked and after eight years—most of it spent on frugal living, no doubt—it was gone.”
Wilbert says what was in my mind, but am constrained by religion to say it aloud.
Mzembi case deserves our sympathy, but the behaviour of the magistrates and the high court judges show that they are following a hard line.
It is a system which Walter helped to set up, as witnessed in his behaviour towards Mbuya Michere.
The quality of mercy is not strained
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
Despite the facts, I suggest that the path of mercy is better than the one under which Walter is serving.
My argument is that in many cases, such people like Walter will find sympathy inside the US secret service, which then uses such callous treatment as examples of oppression, dictatorship and lack of democracy.
The US Central Intelligence Agency finds purpose in keeping small countries in turmoil. That way, their governments and resources are at their mercy.
Anybody with a grievance can find succor at the US embassy. When we were in Zapu, we were not aware that Mama Mafuyana (Nkomo’s wife) was taken care of in East Germany for years.
When independence negotiations came, US Ambassador Andrew Young argued that Zapu’s relationship with communism was dangerous for Zimbabwe’s future.
My story line is that Zimbabwe will be better off if people like Walter Mzembi are re-integrated into society and allowed to make an honest living. Walter and his wife have useful skills.
By treating them in a cruel fashion, one can be certain that the US secret service is laughing all the way into its freshmen recruit class.
*Ken Mufuka is a Zimbabwean patriot.
