Political Commentaries - Unfortunate, prejudicial?

I have written about Zimbabwe for nearly five years now. I do not believe that anything I have to say is ground breaking or headline making. But I do have a considered opinion - largely borne out of the love I have for the country that I lived in for thirty four years.

Opinions are what make us individuals - they are what sets us apart from our fellow man. Opinions do not necessarily divide people, but they do create an area of give and take between people and allow latitude and tolerance.

That being said, in response to my last editorial, Henry - in the beautiful Eastern Highlands town of Mutare, a town I worked in and came to love and respect - has decided that my writings were unfortunate.

(And he spelled my name wrong!)

"I find Rob’s article on Zim’s judicial system very unfortunate. Firstly my understanding is that the judicial system comprises our various law courts’ systems. The Justice system comprises a wider range of systems - parliament, Attorney General’s office, courts, police, lawyers and the executive arm of govt that pardons convicts. My view is that our underfunded judicial system is the brightest spot in our justice system in Zim. Look at the Jestina Mukoko case. After she was abducted by the junta police everyone breathed a sigh of relief when she was presented to the judicial system which discharged itself well. Secondly, Rob you should know better than me that your article might be prejudicial to Roy Bennett because the matter is before the courts. The whole body of your article does not point to our judicial system but rather to our justice system but I think on the Bennett case give Justice Bhunu a chance to showcase their system."

mutare pdtSc 16744

Henry is entitled to his opinion, but I must emphasise that the information in my editorial is available from many different sources - and therefore, I cannot see anything in the information about events in the courts being in any way prejudicial to Roy Bennett - unless, of course, the Attorney-General is holding something back.

I have been called an ‘armchair politician’ and several times I have had email threats against me - and I have even had people telephone my house threatening all manner of physical deeds upon my person - but I will not be deterred.

If Henry believes that he has a better point to put across, then he is welcome to do so - but making the allegation that my writing are in some way prejudicial to cases before the court - I very much doubt it.

My intention is to bring the torrid Zimbabwean situation into the light, let people read about it - and, where possible, act in accordance with their consciences and their gut beliefs.

I do not incite racism, religious bigotry nor armed insurrection.

But I do advocate that the Zimbabwean people - wherever they may be - are given equal voice and freedoms to live their lives with relative ease, secure in the knowledge that their leaders are enacting the best possible rule and options for the population’s prosperity.

Unfortunate? Prejudicial? I doubt it!

Robb WJ Ellis

The Bearded Man