Mugabe jabs 'political' pastors and ambassadors at war veterans' meeting

President Robert Mugabe has reiterated his government’s position that two groups of people are doing all it takes to frustrate their efforts and to attempt a regime change in Zimbabwe.

According to the 92-year-old leader during an address to war veterans on Wednesday in the capital, Harare, some western ambassadors and pastors were behind recent protests and unrest in the country.

‘‘The West through their ambassadors are busy mobilising here. That is why we severed ties with Britain. They are angry because we took control of our natural resources. They wanted our minerals. (but with) our minerals. No way!’‘ he said.

‘‘I also want to warn ambassadors. Although you are doing it clandestinely, we know. Stop interfering in politics. The rules governing ambassadors does not allow you to meddle in politics,’‘ Mugabe added.

He also warned pastors, who he referred to as ‘The Mawarires’ that the ruling ZANU PF was not going to tolerate any nonsense done under the guise of religion. In reference to pastor Evan Mawarire who through the #ThisFlag initiative instigated a protest via social media.

‘‘Some pastors have used their sweet tongue to mislead the people. They are now straying into politics. I want to ask these pastors. Have you read and finished the bible? It will teach you how to lead congregants,’‘ the leader charged.

Mawarire was arrested and charged with treason but a court in the capital dismissed the charges against him.

The meeting with the war veterans was necessitated after a purported communique from the group was released last week withdrawing a long held support for the president.

That communique is the subject of a probe in an act the government described as ‘traitorous and treasonable’.