Zimbabweans taught restraint, love of country

Robert Mugabe has finally stepped down, leaving Zimbabweans all over the world in jubilation.

I honestly felt sorry for them. No one deserved to be treated the way Mugabe treated his compatriots. His actions led to the deaths of many innocent people.

Activists were abducted and killed by his henchmen while others died trying to flee the country. Suffering as they were, Zimbabweans earned respect across the world for the restraint they showed throughout.

Commentators observed and remarked about how their protests were devoid of anarchy. Even at the height of their frustrations, they never tried to destroy their country.

It’s something that we can learn from. How many protests in this country have been hijacked by scumbags who end up torching buildings, preventing people from going to work and leading to the deaths of some in the process?

An increase in civilians attacking police is further proof that we don’t respect the rule of law. We also have grim statistics when it comes to police killings. We lost control the day we allowed people to make public threats that they’ll shut the country down. Such people should be arrested.

There’s no reason why something that affects a few people should be a national problem. Zimbabwe has proved that using peaceful means can have the desired effects.

No matter how frustrated you are about certain things or people, you can never stop loving your country. You can’t torch schools, clinics and libraries and still call yourself an activist. Once you do that, you are a dangerous anarchist and a criminal.

I am truly chuffed for Zimbabweans. I hope in the future, they don’t wait for 37 years to solve a national crisis. Richardson Mzaidume

Pimville