Watch your back, Simba!

C

Zimbabwe's police don't think Makoni is worth protecting - and they've told
him so

Simba Makoni, controversial candidate for the Presidency and the man on whom
so many are pinning their hopes in Zimbabwe, has had his request for routine
protection turned down by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)

Makoni applied for protection for himself, his family, and his close
associates - a normal and, in the circumstances, advisable step - this week.
He received an immediate reply from Deputy Commissioner Innocent Matibiri,
who runs the VIP Protection Unit.

I was shown the letter, dated February 19, yesterday. In it, Matibiri is
blunt, to say the least. "Please be advised accordingly Dr. Makoni that
police protection is only awarded to individuals with VIP status.
Regrettably you do not hold such status." This is an extraordinary statement
to make to someone who's in a two-horse race for the Presidency, and
Matibiri then continues with a remark that is frankly chilling.

He says that as Makoni has yet to be confronted with any violence, he will
remain under the "general protection of the police as with other
Zimbabweans." Those of us who also enjoy this "general protection" will know
exactly how much that's worth. We have the bruises to remind us.

Makoni has good reason to fear for his safety, and that of his family. As I
revealed recently, the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) is gearing up
its surveillance and harassment operations for the run-up to the election,
and Makonis is now a specific target.

My CIO source told me that a total of 61 operatives have been asigned to
watch his every move, at his Mandara residence, his workplace in
Graniteside, and his party offices in Belgravia.

Additionally, Dr. Ibbo Mandaza, believed to be his chief adviser, has been
assigned 12 operatives, and retired major Kudzai Mbudzi, another key member
of the Makoni team, is being watched by four.

Meanwhile, as the plotting and scheming develops, the war of abuse has also
begun. Our venerated President appeared on television in person on Thursday
night, and described his opponent, Makoni, as a "political prostitute."

That's what this election needs - the scintillating cut and thrust of
intellectual debate.