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South African opposition party, Congress of the People (Cope), has opposed plans to grant political asylum to besieged Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in the country.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African Diaspora Forum (ADF) have been advocating for the hosting of the long-serving president as the country's army appeared to have taken over power.
The military is currently detaining the veteran leader at his Harare home in Harare and he has reportedly resisted the army's pressure to resign.
The EFF leader Julius Malema was the first to call for asylum for Mugabe, arguing a move would ensure smooth handing over of power in Zimbabwe, a call backed by ADF chairman Marc Gbaffou.
“We call on the South African government to prepare to welcome President Mugabe for political asylum. He must be allowed to come to South Africa so that a peaceful transition can indeed take place."
“Mugabe needs to leave Zimbabwe. I think he should be granted refugee status in one of the African countries and South Africa is well placed to host him because of its leadership role in the SADC,” Marc Gbaffou said.
Cope has urged South Africans to resist any attempts “to make South Africa the home of last resort of those leaders who have violated the human rights of the citizens of their very own countries”.
“South Africa is a democratic and human rights sensitive nation. Allowing a pariah and disgraced leader such as Mugabe asylum in our country would be an affront to the values and principles upon which our constitutional democracy is based,” Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota, said.
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Grace Mugabe has charges waiting for her in South Africa for beating a girl. Grace will go to prison in South Africa. Woi have mercy for guka Mugabe and give him house arrest for the remaining few years he has left. Do not let guka die in exile
Africa is slowly waking up. Who ever knew human right abuses would be a deal breaker someday.
Now those police who were caught on video kicking defenseless,and helpless citizens take anote,this may come to haunt you later...+
As for comrade Mugage, Raila has enough space/guest room in his castle...He will have company by the fire in the evening talking about socialism,and mourning the youthful bygone days.
Maxiley. Founding Fathers are people to be treated Carefully and Cautiously no matter what (lest a Curse Befalls the Country he fought for So Hard). CASE in POINT: 1. Jomo Kenyatta died in Office in 1978. Prior to His Death he would Dose Off or Ail at Home, in some Meetings or Functions just like Mugabe does obviously due to Old Age). 2. When Fredrick Chiluba became President of Zambia, he OPPRESSED the Founding Father of Zambia; Kenneth Kaunda. Kaunda was even "disposed" to another country (Asylum) for some time. But to cut short Kenneth Kaunda's Sorry Story (to Fredrick Chiliba's chagrin): Kenneth Kaunda is still ALIVE; and his Oppresive Successor the young Fredrick Chiloba died a long time ago. So again: I believe Robert Mugabe "Diserves Respect and Diserves Better" no matter what (with or without Good Economy).
Certainly Guest1, he deserves respect from those who respect him. How about the human rights issue?There is evidence that he killed,and beat up opposition. Is that good?He did not take them to high court he should have as a respectable states man.
Mugabe has championed African democracy though he abuse democracy in his own country,however the things he spoke about against the West are areally .He chsmpioned the truth.They should just let him retire peacefully in Zimbabwe the same thing we did to Daniel step moi. He is retiring peacefully
He championed Zimbabwe from Rhodesia. He should be allowed to stay but keep mouth shurt.
Blame Grace the disgrace for her greed and misplaced ambition. A former secretary had high hopes of becoming the next president .Not so fast woman Africa is still predominantly male when it comes to leadership. SouthAfricans do not need the negative publicity furthermore madame Grace does have a case pending against her.When it rains it pours.
Blame Robert Mugabe on this. When you marry awoman 41 years your junior,what do you expect?It is highly unlikely that awoman 10 years his junior would be greedy and spoiled with glamourous things.She is a shopping freak...
Yes, Lekota, tell them!! South Africa is not a dumping ground for intolerance. It's history speaks for itself. Mugabe should be sent to Britain if they really want to teach him a lesson. He will then understand the meaning of humanity given his misplaced disdain for Britain leaders evidenced by his insults towards them. Redemption. Poor guka.