Speaking with a friend on the telephone the other night, we discussed just how difficult it is to maintain a stand against Mugabe’s brutish rule in Zimbabwe – and we also agreed that whilst we may be divorced physically from events on the ground, at least we have the freedom to write (within reason) about the warped situation in Zimbabwe.

And for that, I am profoundly thankful.

And, as I got to thinking along those lines, I began to focus on the comments and emails I get from anonymous readers who belittle me for what I have to say, for my opinions and my stance.

Interestingly, the majority of these comments which tell me to back off, and leave the idea that I might be in some danger, come from Mugabe apologists who live in the Western world. My stock reply to them is: “Go home to Zimbabwe and se what it is like to live in a country ravaged by the rule of one man.”

But I gave the situation in Zimbabwe further thought and I realised that ZANU PF seem to think that if they say it is so, then it is so. Little regard is given to the truth, and little regard id given to the consequences of that action.

Just recently, Didymus Mutasa, a senior figure within ZANU PF, denied that a warrant for his arrest had been issued by a magistrate as Mutasa had failed to appear in court having been subpoenaed to appear.

On a radio interview with SW Radio Africa, Mutasa became quiet vocal in his responses to presenter Violet Gonda, and he decided to terminate the call.

Typical ZANU PF.

I see that the magistrate in the case has recused himself.

A court recently ordered the police chief and the army chief to discipline a senior army officer who was intent on taking over a farm which was protected by a court order. The order was defied and we sort-of expect the Judge President to issue a warrant of arrest for Sibanda and Chihuri - and if that happens, it will be ignored.

And nothing will happen in response to that defiance.

Mugabe repeatedly tells the world that the West is seeking to re-colonise Zimbabwe - but he fails to substantiate that claim. He claims that the West is seeking ‘regime change’ in Zimbabwe, but fails to substantiate that claim.

He sells the land grab to the world as a return of the land to the ‘landless blacks’ and then gives the seized land to his loyalists.

He offers no explanation, and maintains that what he and his band of brigands have done is for the good of the country.

And expects the nation to accept his word on the exercise - whilst his government continue to excuse the lack of a land audit on lack of finance. They say that a land audit will cost in the region of US$30 million.

And now that financing has been offered, we hear nothing further.

He and his ministers claim that Zimbabwe can feed itself and that this season will see a bumper harvest. How so, when the land is in the hands of ZANU PF bigwigs who have done nothing with it?

He and his close advisers, ministers and supporters may be able to feed themselves - financed by money taken from public and private coffers.

Mugabe lies to the people of Zimbabwe, lies to the international bodies and expects everyone to believe it - because Mugabe said so.

But his lies are proving his undoing - and as he lies himself into a corner, less and less people believe him and more and more people enter the fray pitted against him and ZANU PF.

If ever he wanted to make a comeback, then the answer is simple.

Stop living the lie.

Robb WJ Ellis
The Bearded Man