Mugabe's Fleecing of Zimbabwe

Fire of Liberty


While the people of Zimbabwe gear up for the March 31, 2005 parliamentary elections they should look around and see their own financial shape, housing conditions and empty bellies and then take a view of the "high-life" that President Mugabe and his sycophant lives before casting their votes. The most extreme example of the tyrannical and inane actions of Robert Mugabe and his Zanu PF party is his continued fleecing of the Zimbabwean economy to buy elaborate homes and lavish lifestyles that the general Zimbabwean citizen could never fathom. While the people scrape for a living, which can barely afford the small morsels of food available, Mugabe has gone on a massive spending spree building a enormous house which is estimated to have a cost from some $15 million to a high range of $25 million. Just look at what The Times had to say about such a massive project in today's paper:

Since 2000, during which time the Zimbabwean economy has shrunk by 40 per cent, Mr Mugabe is estimated to have spent £8 million pounds on the home, which was built by a construction company from the former Yugoslavia. Inside, there are reported to be double-storey receptions rooms, a ballroom, and hand-carved fittings.

Armed guards patrol the perimeter of the property, which also includes a lake, day and night.

President Mugabe, who has the use of two official residences in Harare and others in Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare, already owns a number of lavish properties.

The only problem with the whole situation is that this home was supposed to be a retirement home for Mugabe but with his tight grip on the nation, he's expected to ensure his reign well into this decade.

Hopefully, the people of Zimbabwe don't have blinders on when they pass by the lavish homes and lifestyles of Mugabe, his higher ups and his best friends. While voter intimidation by Zanu PF is very high throughout the nation, the people still have eyes and empty bellies and the knowledge that the ruling party is living high on the hog while their children and neighbors are fighting the scourge of poverty and hunger. Expect Mugabe's opponents to fare well this Thursday. All I can say is vote MDC and pray for a miracle and a return some sanity to this newfound "heart of darkness."