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Auxilia Katongomara, Chronicle Reporter
THE Commission of Inquiry into the 1 August post-election violence has concluded public hearings and is now working on a report to be handed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa soon.
Chaired by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, the seven member team was tasked to investigate the violence that resulted in the death of six people after alleged MDC-Alliance supporters stormed the capital’s Central Business District resulting in the destruction of property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Other members of the commission are international law expert Mr Rodney Dixon QC from the United Kingdom, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku from Nigeria and former Chief of Defence Forces of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces General (Retired) Davis Mwamunyange.
Local members of the team are University of Zimbabwe (UZ) lecturers Professors Charity Manyeruke and Lovemore Madhuku as well as former president of the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) Mrs Vimbai Nyemba.
In a statement, the Commission’s spokesperson Mr John Masuku said they had concluded public hearings.
He said they had also received written evidence as well as video footage to assist in the probe.
“The Commission of Inquiry into the Post-Election Violence which occurred in Harare on August 1 this year, today (Tuesday) concluded its process of gathering oral evidence through public hearings. Testimonies, most of which were broadcast live on ZBC television and social media platforms were heard from different individuals and organisations in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare,” said Mr Masuku.
He said the commission was also handed written evidence as well as audio and video materials including some which were provided by international broadcasters following an appeal made through the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
“The Commission is now collating and analysing all information gathered and has already started compiling its final report and recommendations to be presented to His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa,” said Mr Masuku.
He said the commission is working round the clock in order to present its report way ahead of its 90 days deadline which commenced on September 19 when its seven members made up of local and international eminent persons was sworn in at State House in Harare.
During the inquiries conducted in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare members of the bereaved families, members of the public who witnessed the violence, civic society members, health practitioners, mortuary attendants and ballistic experts among others testified.
Among the high profile officials summoned to the hearings are security chiefs among them Police Commissioner General , Godwin Matanga , Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, the tactical commander of the National Reaction Force who is also Presidential Guard Commander Brigadier-General Anselem Sanyatwe .
Other prominent officials who testified are Attorney General Mr Prince Machaya, former Home Affairs Minister Dr Obert Mpofu, MDC president Mr Nelson Chamisa as well as the opposition party’s senior official Mr Tendai Biti and MDC T spokesperson Linda Masarira.
— @AuxiliaK
derick.khumalo