Mliswa schools Geza on rule of law

Published: 2 hours ago

Former Norton Independent legislator Temba Mliswa has rebuked war veteran Blessed Geza for calling for the arrest of the Zviganandas, arguing that allegations alone are not grounds for detention without proper investigation.

In his response, Mliswa emphasised that the law demands due process and presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

"Sekuru, allegations provide substance for investigations, not verdicts ruling that one is guilty. Do you remember your own rape scandal? Are you also guilty just because of that allegation? If your argument is to be applied, then it means you also are a criminal who needs to be arrested," Mliswa said.

He warned that applying Geza's logic would create a dangerous precedent where powerful individuals could order arrests of opponents based on social media claims.

"Every person, including yourself, is presumed innocent until proven guilty. That is a sacrosanct dictate of the law and it applies to your allies as well as rivals," he added.

Mliswa compared Geza's stance to that of the Vice President, who has also previously demanded arrests without presenting evidence.

He further criticised the "rush to arrest" culture, insisting that proper lifestyle audits are the correct approach to investigate corruption and misconduct.

"Your political campaign, Sekuru, and its restless need to rush things cannot justify abandoning the dictates of the law. I have called for lifestyle audits and was attacked for it, but that remains the proper way as it gives accused people a chance to defend themselves," he said.

The outspoken politician also took aim at what he described as Geza's "foreign-based army of bots and trolls," accusing them of attacking him online and even burning his homestead.

Mliswa concluded by underscoring that only lawful institutions such as the Police and ZACC have the authority to determine criminality, not social media or political gatherings.

"Due process remains necessary in any normal and civilised society. A voluntary political party meeting or social media are not legally recognised institutions to arbitrate on the criminality of individuals," he said.
- online