Chaos broke out Monday at the Bulawayo Media Centre when youths interrupted a press meeting set up by war veterans. These young people said they belonged to a group named Youth Connect. The veterans had come together to talk about how Zimbabwe is run. They also planned to announce a march against corruption, tribalism, and economic problems in their country.
The veterans labeled the youths as hired hands and state agents who came to stop them from speaking freely. They made it clear their actions did not link to any political party. They just wanted Zimbabwe to gain the freedom they fought for during their war days. This all happened right in front of reporters and police officers in uniform.
It shows growing tension between some war veterans and those running the country. It also points to the challenges citizens face when they try to use their rights under the law. Andreas Ethan Mathibela, who leads one part of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, was supposed to speak. Buster Magwizi, who speaks for the ZPRA Veterans Association, was also set to address the crowd.
Before they could start, young people showed up, claiming they had booked the place for their meeting. Many police officers stood outside the Media Centre, which made the veterans think something fishy was going on. Inside, the veterans asked who these Youth Connect members really were. They accused them of working for the government to mess up their event.
Magwizi expressed anger, saying they came to talk to reporters thinking free speech existed in Zimbabwe. He added that law enforcers should explain why they want them to stop. Mathibela questioned whether the youths truly represented Youth Connect and asked about their reasons for being there. The young people kept saying they had a real meeting planned.
The veterans did not believe this claim. Even the reporters there knew nothing about any other meeting. The veterans, who kept mentioning fighting to free Zimbabwe, felt angry they could not speak. Magwizi accused the youths of being state security problems sent to block their efforts to address country issues.
Magwizi told the youths they went to war and bled for this country, making it possible for them to be there today. He stated they did not want to cause trouble but suggested the youths might as well shoot them. He claimed they recognized the youths outside and knew they worked for the state, accusing them of starting violence. Mathibela warned these young people about what might happen next.
He stated they might have protection from a few people but remained unsafe. He suggested if things kept going this way, fighting would start. He added that if they did not kill the veterans, they should watch out for what comes next. The situation got worse outside when one young person grabbed Mathibela's hat, causing people around to react fast.
Police handcuffed that youth and took him away. Mathibela criticized current leaders as corrupt, giving jobs to families and favoring certain tribes, claiming they created a family rule. He clarified they did not insult anyone or play party politics. He emphasized they belonged to no party but fought to help Zimbabwe gain political and economic freedom.
Magwizi added they fought for peace, justice, and truth but found no space to speak. He wanted to tell the country, their parents, children, and the world about Zimbabwe's problems to help fix national issues. He accused the government of using dirty tricks to keep people quiet, comparing what happened to Nazi operations. Mathibela mentioned they told police about their planned march, but government agents still came to scare them.
Mathibela declared they told the police commissioner that on Thursday, people would march in the streets as allowed by law. He stated they would not be stopped. He challenged anyone wanting a physical fight, promising to stand at the front. He accused those present of taking money from corrupt politicians trying to block their plans. During this argument, the youths stayed bold.
One person wearing pink shorts challenged Mathibela, saying they were present and no march would happen. This brave behavior made the veterans even more angry, with Mathibela warning these young people would face results from their actions. Despite this, the veterans kept strong in what they wanted to do. Mathibela expressed confidence they would win, noting their struggle never ended quickly, but they succeeded eventually.
Later, some young people received money from men who joined the fight. This reporter saw the young troublemakers each getting $10 bills. Mathibela's group has openly backed Blessed Geza, a war veteran kicked out of Zanu PF. Geza said President Emmerson Mnangagwa failed and must leave right away. Geza had to run to South Africa.
A reporter from Alpha Media Holdings who shared a video of Geza has been arrested and faces charges of causing violence. More unhappy war veterans from the 1970s freedom fight appear as Zanu PF splits into groups over who comes next after Mnangagwa. His final term ends in 2028, and the battle to replace him grows hotter.
The veterans labeled the youths as hired hands and state agents who came to stop them from speaking freely. They made it clear their actions did not link to any political party. They just wanted Zimbabwe to gain the freedom they fought for during their war days. This all happened right in front of reporters and police officers in uniform.
It shows growing tension between some war veterans and those running the country. It also points to the challenges citizens face when they try to use their rights under the law. Andreas Ethan Mathibela, who leads one part of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, was supposed to speak. Buster Magwizi, who speaks for the ZPRA Veterans Association, was also set to address the crowd.
Before they could start, young people showed up, claiming they had booked the place for their meeting. Many police officers stood outside the Media Centre, which made the veterans think something fishy was going on. Inside, the veterans asked who these Youth Connect members really were. They accused them of working for the government to mess up their event.
Magwizi expressed anger, saying they came to talk to reporters thinking free speech existed in Zimbabwe. He added that law enforcers should explain why they want them to stop. Mathibela questioned whether the youths truly represented Youth Connect and asked about their reasons for being there. The young people kept saying they had a real meeting planned.
The veterans did not believe this claim. Even the reporters there knew nothing about any other meeting. The veterans, who kept mentioning fighting to free Zimbabwe, felt angry they could not speak. Magwizi accused the youths of being state security problems sent to block their efforts to address country issues.
Magwizi told the youths they went to war and bled for this country, making it possible for them to be there today. He stated they did not want to cause trouble but suggested the youths might as well shoot them. He claimed they recognized the youths outside and knew they worked for the state, accusing them of starting violence. Mathibela warned these young people about what might happen next.
He stated they might have protection from a few people but remained unsafe. He suggested if things kept going this way, fighting would start. He added that if they did not kill the veterans, they should watch out for what comes next. The situation got worse outside when one young person grabbed Mathibela's hat, causing people around to react fast.
Police handcuffed that youth and took him away. Mathibela criticized current leaders as corrupt, giving jobs to families and favoring certain tribes, claiming they created a family rule. He clarified they did not insult anyone or play party politics. He emphasized they belonged to no party but fought to help Zimbabwe gain political and economic freedom.
Magwizi added they fought for peace, justice, and truth but found no space to speak. He wanted to tell the country, their parents, children, and the world about Zimbabwe's problems to help fix national issues. He accused the government of using dirty tricks to keep people quiet, comparing what happened to Nazi operations. Mathibela mentioned they told police about their planned march, but government agents still came to scare them.
Mathibela declared they told the police commissioner that on Thursday, people would march in the streets as allowed by law. He stated they would not be stopped. He challenged anyone wanting a physical fight, promising to stand at the front. He accused those present of taking money from corrupt politicians trying to block their plans. During this argument, the youths stayed bold.
One person wearing pink shorts challenged Mathibela, saying they were present and no march would happen. This brave behavior made the veterans even more angry, with Mathibela warning these young people would face results from their actions. Despite this, the veterans kept strong in what they wanted to do. Mathibela expressed confidence they would win, noting their struggle never ended quickly, but they succeeded eventually.
Later, some young people received money from men who joined the fight. This reporter saw the young troublemakers each getting $10 bills. Mathibela's group has openly backed Blessed Geza, a war veteran kicked out of Zanu PF. Geza said President Emmerson Mnangagwa failed and must leave right away. Geza had to run to South Africa.
A reporter from Alpha Media Holdings who shared a video of Geza has been arrested and faces charges of causing violence. More unhappy war veterans from the 1970s freedom fight appear as Zanu PF splits into groups over who comes next after Mnangagwa. His final term ends in 2028, and the battle to replace him grows hotter.
