Thanks But NO Tanks: Zim opposition reject Chiwenga security offer

PRESIDENTIAL candidates that will contest in the 2018 harmonised elections yesterday rejected Government’s offer of State security with some preferring to be given money to pay security details of their choice.

Addressing a rally in Chitungwiza on Sunday, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said Government was prepared to provide security to any of the presidential hopefuls who were feeling insecure ahead of the harmonised election.

VP Chiwenga made the pledge following a horror explosion that killed two and injured several people at a Zanu-PF rally at White City Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday.

National Constitutional Assembly president, Professor Lovemore Madhuku said he did not require any State security.

Instead, Prof Madhuku said Government should firstly put in place a legal instrument providing for security assistance and then pay for the security services rendered to the candidates.

“Personally, I do not need State security. It is up to those who require it. But if there are those who require it, Government needs to first pass a legal instrument that provides for that. But I will prefer a situation where one chooses his own security and then the Government will pay for it,” said Prof Madhuku.

MDC-T president Dr Thokozani Khupe said she did not depend on security personnel for her safety but looked up to God for her protection.

Build Zimbabwe Alliance president Dr Noah Manyika said he had not considered State security personnel to protect him from political violence.

He said he could not trust State security following the incident at Bulawayo White City Stadium.

MDC Alliance president Mr Nelson Chamisa referred all questions on security issues to his spokesperson Dr Nkululeko Sibanda.

Dr Sibanda, however, refused to comment saying he required clearance from Mr Chamisa first.

“We are not going to comment on that for now. That is something we have discussed with the president today. I will not comment until our president meets with appropriate teams,” said Dr Sibanda. zimpapers