Don’t discuss Tsvangirai in Parliament because he cannot answer for himself – MP says

Movement for Democratic Change legislator Gift Chimanikire last week asked Buhera West Member of Parliament Oliver Mandipaka not to level allegations of violence against MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai because he could not respond in Parliament as he was not a member.

Mandipaka had introduced a motion calling for measures to curb political violence and accused the MDC of fanning the violence that has engulfed the country periodically since 1999 when it was formed.

“At Banket Country Club in 1999, a political formation or movement was formed under the name MDC,” Mandipaka said. 

“This political formation was supported largely by commercial farmers. 

“It is only then that we started to experience political violence and disturbances in this country.  

“We sharply recall the food riots of 2000. 

“We also recall the resistance to the land reform programme; we also sharply recall in December 2001, that some Zimbabweans in the opposition assisted in the crafting of ZIDERA. 

“The final push was spearheaded by none other than Mr. Morgan Richard Tsvangirai ‘Mazidhengere’ of Buhera.  

“In 2008, we witnessed violence demonstration; leader of the opposition MDCT, Richard Morgan ‘Mazidhengere’ of the Save totem is on record for instigating violence. 

“There is an audio if you can still remember where we hear Mr. Tsvangirai saying…,” he said before being interrupted by Chimanikire who said: “Mr. Speaker, I would like to raise an objection. 

“In terms of Parliamentary rules, we are not allowed to discuss an individual who will not be in this House to answer for themselves.  

“The Hon. Member has mentioned the name of Morgan Richard Tsvangirai more than four times, and making very serious allegations yet Morgan Richard Tsvangirai will not be able to respond to the allegations that he is raising.”

The Speaker concurred and asked Mandipaka not to mention any names.

The MDC-T has accused ZANU-PF of perpetrating the violence.

Below is the full motion:

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