Release journalist, jail corrupt minister

IT’S disheartening that Hopewell Chin’ono, a Zimbabwean journalist at the heart of exposing $60 million (R988m) massive corruption in Zimbabwe’s health system, is still in jail.

He was denied bail when Health Minister Obadiah Moyo was freed for looting $60m.

Common sense does not stand a chance in Zimbabwe in terms of justice, fairness and democracy. Hopewell should have been awarded a medal for unearthing the corruption that has brought Zimbabwe to its economic knees.

Democracy in Zimbabwe has been eroded by the ruthless Zanu-PF government, which is clueless in terms of reviving the ailing economy. Former minister of health Obadiah Moyo, is not in jail for spearheading massive corruption of Covid-19 kits, yet an innocent journalist, Hopewell, is in jail for exposing corruption.

Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government should resign immediately as they have no shame and failed to deliver on their promises when they ousted Mugabe. The world should voice their concerns and demand the immediate release of Hopewell.

They should also demand that the Zimbabwean government prosecute Obadiah Moyo for breach of public trust and for exposing Zimbabweans to Covid-19, masterminding massive corruption regarding the supply of Covid-19 kits.

If the world remains silent about the immediate release of Hopewell Chin’ono, we will again see an exodus of Zimbabweans to other countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, the UK, Australia and the USA in search of better economic conditions and security. The ripple effects will create burdens for other countries, so it’s time to voice concerns.

TAPIWA MUSKWE | United Kingdom