Olonga's "life in danger"
Monday, March 17 2003
According to Britain's Daily Telegraph, "Henry Olonga's international career came to an end last night in dramatic circumstances with a secret journey to a safe house somewhere in South Africa. He will hide until he is able to start a new life in a different country".
Plain Clothes Officers believed to be from the Zimbabwean Secret Police watched Zimbabwe's 74-run defeat by Sri Lanka on Saturday, with the apparent intention of "escorting him home" to answer a charge of treason.
In Zimbabwe, treason is punishable by Death.
Following the Sri Lanka match, Olonga retired from International Cricket, with a statement reading: "It is with great sadness that I am officially announcing my retirement from international cricket. My continued involvement with the Zimbabwean team has become untenable for the following reasons:
The stand I took earlier in the World Cup has undoubtedly had repercussions that have affected both my career and my personal life. I have received threatening e-mails which, I believe, make it dangerous for me to return to Zimbabwe.
I was never under the illusion that my stand would have no consequences but I believe that one should have the courage of one's convictions in life and do all one can to uphold them.
I believe that if I were to continue to play for Zimbabawe in the midst of the prevailing crisis I would only be neglecting the voice of my conscience. I would be condoning the grotesque human rights violations that have been perpetrated - and continue to be perpetrated - against my fellow countrymen.
To my fellow Zimbabweans: the Zimbabwe we dream of must merely remain in our hearts. We must be strong, stand united and strive to give our children the brighter day in which they belong."
Olonga is expected to apply for asylum in Britain, and no-one can deny that it is truly deserved for a man who showed incredible courage in a very difficult situation.
I feel that it is impossible for Zimbabwe to continue playing in International cricket whilst basic human rights such as freedom of expression are so flagrantly violated on such a large scale, and team selections (i.e. Ebrahim and Matsikenyeri) are dictated solely on race rather than on ability.
Posted by Neil
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