THE FALL OF A FEARED MAN AND WHAT IT TEACHES ZIMBABWE

Crispen Makendenge was once a very powerful man in Zimbabwe. During the rule of Robert Mugabe, many people feared him. He was a top police officer in the CID Law and Order Division. People say he arrested journalists for telling the truth and tortured opposition activists. Today, that same man is living a very quiet and painful life. His story is being talked about everywhere in Zimbabwe because it shows how power can change and how life can turn against a person.

A photo of Makendenge went viral after Crime Watch Zim shared it online. In the picture, he looks sick and very tired. He does not look strong anymore. People on social media started asking if this is karma. In Shona, people call it ngozi. It means payback for hurting others. Many Zimbabweans saw the photo and said this is the same man who used to make people live in fear. Now he is the one who looks lost and broken.

Job Sikhala, a well-known opposition leader, said Makendenge tortured him. He even said they used electric shocks on him. Many people still remember those painful days. But Sikhala said something that shocked many. He said he wants to show Makendenge love. He said he believes in peace and forgiveness, even for someone who hurt him. This made many Zimbabweans think deeply about what justice really means.

Makendenge also went after journalists. Some of those journalists now work for The NewsHawks. They remember how he threatened them and tried to stop them from reporting. Today, those journalists are free. They write what they want. They speak without fear. Meanwhile, Makendenge is alone, sick, and struggling. Some people call this justice. They say he is feeling what he made others feel.

Reports say he is now dealing with mental health problems. He has no power. He has no control. He is not feared anymore. On social media, some people are celebrating his suffering. Others say people must not laugh at anyone’s pain. But most people agree that his life today is a strong message. Power does not last forever. When you use your power to hurt people, life will bring back the pain to you in another way.

Many people are calling this a big lesson for those who abuse power. Zimbabwe has many people who used their positions to hurt others. Many of them are still free. They never said sorry. They never faced any court. But Makendenge’s fall shows that even if the courts do nothing, life itself can bring justice.

This story is not only about him. It is about a whole system that allowed people like him to act without fear. During Mugabe’s rule, many people were made silent. They were beaten, arrested, or threatened. Makendenge was one of the tools used to control people. But now, people are not silent anymore. They are free to talk about what happened.

The photo of Makendenge has become a symbol in Zimbabwe. It shows what can happen when a person uses power wrongly. It reminds people of the past and warns today’s leaders not to repeat the same mistakes. Zimbabweans are watching. They are remembering. And they still hope that real justice will come for everyone one day.