Prominent strategist and activist Rutendo Matinyarare has drawn criticism for his recent remarks in which he defended businessman Wicknell Chivayo against charges of wrongdoing.
This comes after Wicknell Chivayo was called before the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to respond to accusations made in response to an audio leak that suggested he had a close relationship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Comments made by Matinyarare, criticizing people for making decisions without hard data, have generated a contentious discussion in the media.
Responding to queries regarding his silence on the ongoing controversy surrounding Chivayo, Matinyarare stated,
“I am not a fool who comments on things I can’t prove, like you guys. The only time you will hear me speak about allegations against anyone is when I have evidence and believe I can save the nation by raising the issue publicly.”
“People like you and Hopewell spent the last five years writing about how Mupfumira, Obediah Moyo and Wadyajena were corrupt. Only for all of them to be acquitted by the courts because the prosecution did not have enough evidence to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt in court.”
He cautioned against jumping to conclusions without credible facts or the power to prosecute, citing the need to avoid repeating past mistakes.
While critics have accused Matinyarare of undermining the gravity of corruption allegations, he has pointed to his accomplishments in fighting for Zimbabwe’s interests on an international level.
Here are some reactions from Zimbabweans:
J’Ella
“Let’s talk about whose duty it is to gather/provide evidence. You speak as if we, the povo, are supposed to stand before the judge with evidence. Stop trying to silence people, iweee!”
Kamberevere
“Conflict of interests? We all have them, but corruption at this level needs to be condemned by all right-thinking people. What good is having non-GMO foods if the rest can’t afford them due to corruption?”
Prof V i r u S
“You can’t comment on these issues because you are trying to be included on the feeding trough! You have been howling for your supper all this long! Just shut up.”
Tinovonga
“Unezvausingazivi here iwe ukunyebera kudzungaira nhema nekuti ukutodawo zvekubiwa kwacho uwanewo kana wakatoiwana vhara muromo yako kudhara zvichabuda unoti zvinopererepi.”