 |
|
|
|
|
| author/source:Sunday Telegraph (UK) |
| published:Sun 16-Mar-2003 |
| posted on this site:Sun 16-Mar-2003 |
|
| Article Type : News |
|
| He had been told the officers intended to "escort him home", where a likely charge of treason awaited. The punishment for treason in Zimbabwe is death |
|
|
Neil Manthorp
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. The amiable fast bowler's last few hours as an international cricketer were spent nervously looking over his shoulder for a tap on the shoulder that could have threatened his life. Seven plainclothes officers from Zimbabwe's secret police, believed to be from the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), arrived in East London on Friday and were entertained by World Cup hosts during Zimbabwe's 74-run defeat by Sri Lanka yesterday. Their real purpose for being in the sleepy, coastal town was more sinister than watching their country's emotionally ravaged cricket team bow out of the World Cup. Olonga has received numerous threats during the last month but this one was different. He had been told the officers intended to "escort him home", where a likely charge of treason awaited. The punishment for treason in Zimbabwe is death.
The drama began in mid-afternoon when officers from the World Cup-appointed Close Protection Unit returned to the players' hotel and packed all of Olonga's personal possessions in case he was intercepted after the match. Olonga even appeared on the field to perform 12th man duties early in the afternoon to create the impression that everything was proceeding as normal. But everything was far from normal despite Olonga's impossibly courageous attempts to stay calm. "He was pretty shaken but he seemed to be coping as well as anyone can in a situation like that," said a team-mate after the match. "He sounded reasonably clear about what was going to happen, if it all went well, and was staying positive." Details regarding Olonga's immediate future were a tightly guarded secret last night. Even his team-mates had no idea where he was heading when they bade their final, emotional farewells. While Andy Flower confirmed his retirement during the lunch break of the match, Olonga selflessly kept his secret until the last ball had been bowled. "He was always a team man, first and foremost. He's still a team man," the same colleague said.
A statement from Olonga read: "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's dedication to the team was never more obvious than during his final month as an international player. Having worn black armbands and issued a statement, with Flower, to "mourn the death of democracy" during Zimbabwe's first match against Namibia, Olonga was told by senior cricket and government officials that he would never play again for his country again. His response was to bowl faster, longer and harder in the nets to help his team-mates prepare for the remainder of the tournament.
Then, out of the blue, he was picked to play against Kenya in Bloemfontein last Wednesday. He was stunned but never once contemplated refusing his selection - his fellow players were delighted to have him back. But Zimbabwe's politically motivated selection panel back in Harare had one final, cynical move in store and Olonga was dropped for yesterday's match for fear he might use the occasion to speak out once again. But they were unable to stop him. Once Olonga and his deeply loyal friends are convinced the coast is clear, they will make arrangements for passage to another country. England remains the most likely option as long as political asylum is granted, a condition Olonga's friends are convinced is necessary.
back to top |
|
|
|
|
