Chamisa accuses Matemadanda of intimidating the judiciary as court prepares to hear his challenge

The Movement for Democratic Change Alliance has accused war veterans leader Victor Matemadanda of intimidating the judiciary ahead of tomorrow’s hearing of its leader Nelson Chamisa’s challenge of Emerson Mnangagwa’s victory in the 30 July elections at the Constitutional Court.

Matemadanda, the secretary general of the Zimbabwe War Veterans Association, today blasted Chamisa for teaming up with former President Robert Mugabe and called on genuine Movement for Democratic Change supporters to kick Chamisa out of the party as he was no different from his new found mentor, Mugabe.

He also said war veterans want the Harare international Airport which had been renamed Robert Mugabe International Airport to be given another name as Mugabe had betrayed the revolution.

In a statement, the MDC Alliance said it was dismayed by Matemadanda’s “reckless, irresponsible and disgusting utterances”.

“We are aware of the ill-intention of the renegade grouping of these so called war veterans to intimidate the judiciary before the constitutional hearing and trial proceedings of the electoral fraud application filed by the MDC Alliance,” the Alliance said.

“The timing of the press conference and the vile utterances by the conveners smacks of a dirty scheme by Matemadanda and his cohorts to influence the outcome of the court and subvert the will of the people of Zimbabwe.

“The MDC Alliance is not moved by such grandstanding and empty threats by an illegal grouping of charlatans bent on confusing court proceedings and shattering the dreams of the people of Zimbabwe. They do not want a fair hearing of the MDC Alliance electoral petition.

“Matemadanda’s utterances are a clear affront to the independence, impartiality and integrity of the judiciary and must be condemned in the strongest terms by all progressive people of Zimbabwe.”

The Alliance reiterated what its leader Nelson Chamisa said yesterday that Mnangagwa should concede defeat and allow Zimbabwe to move forward.

“We are unequivocal that this idea that Africa’s strongmen never want to leave power after an election must come to an end. We need a new image for our continent,” the party said.

“For outgoing President Mnangagwa, history will judge him harshly for being part of remnants of a few African politicians who put their personal selfish interests ahead of the greater good of the nation.

“He must take this opportunity to negotiate a respectable exit and leave peacefully. An unnecessary and protracted battle will not benefit ZANU-PF let alone the entire nation in the medium to long term.”

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