The Patriot issue 157 published an article titled ‘Coltart’s attempt to distort history’.
It was in response to Senator David Coltart’s Sunday Mail tribute to the late national hero, Dr Nathan Shamuyarira.
This week we publish the letter Senator Coltart subsequently wrote to The Patriot.
EDITOR – THIS is pathetic and racist piece of writing which you should be ashamed of.
I was asked by The Sunday Mail to write a story in praise of Minister Shamuyarira, which I did.
I did not ask to do this –The Sunday Mail asked me.
Your outburst does not do the late Minister Shamuyarira proud and I am sure as an editor, he would not have tolerated such unprofessionalism, done in such bad taste.
Furthermore you have totally twisted the exclusion of the opening phrase of the telegram – yes it said as you say it did – that is part of the public record – but that is why I specifically wrote, and I quote, “Prime Minister Mugabe was briefed on all that had happened and on August 19 1981 he sent a telegram to me stating!” The Prime Minister was briefed by me and others, but it is tedious to go into that detail.
He didn’t just respond to my message – he had also been briefed by others, but it was unnecessary to go into that detail.
The opening phrase was accordingly superfluous.
Indeed I think I arguably get more to gain by showing that I was proactive in sending a message to the Prime Minister – but that was not the only spur for his message, because both Minister Shamuyarira and Minister Norman had briefed him.
I will be interested whether you allow this comment to be posted.

Senator David Coltart