admin
Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, the Jomic members said the three principals together with provincial leaders were key in dissuading supporters from engaging in violence.
This, they said, would only be effective through joint anti-violence rallies. The call comes in the wake of violent clashes between Zanu-PF and MDC-T supporters in Mudzi last week that resulted in the death of Cephas Magura, an MDC-T activist. Seven suspects have since appeared in court facing murder and public violence charges. Jomic national committee member, Mr Frank Chamunorwa (MDC), said it was high time the principals “walk the talk” if political violence was to end.
“If they are all genuine in their calls to end political violence and if it is not grandstanding then they should go to all corners of the country instructing, preaching peace and persuading their members to desist from violence. It is high time they stand up and walk the talk than just denouncing it through the media. The principals are a key component if we are to take information to the grassroots levels. Yes, they might denounce violence at public gatherings but remember people are in all parts of the country and there will be sense in it if they visit all the 10 provinces,” he said.
He also urged the police to be professional when conducting their duties.
“Our police is one of the best in the world but I am surprised that in some cases they book two political parties at the same venue at the same time despite the fact that they know how polarised the environment is. Some police officers are overzealous and they masquerade as entities on their own without following the protocol,” he said.
Yesterday’s briefing was also attended by Mashonaland East Jomic representatives from the three political parties who gave accounts of what they gathered during their visit to Mudzi last week. Cde Oppah Muchinguri (Zanu-PF) said the principals and the parties’ provincial leadership should play a role in ending violence. She said the rallies should focus on co-existence and tolerance.
“They have the power to end this nonsense. We understand that the principals have a busy schedule and that is the reason why provincial leaders should also address the joint rallies to ensure the message filters to the ward level,” she said.
“Its high time stern action be taken against those who incite or are involved in political violence. Let us quickly trace the history of this violence and find ways of dealing with this issue of individualism.”
Cde Muchinguri said some legislators and councillors were also perpetuating violence.
“What happened in Mudzi is a peculiar and disturbing situation and we are calling on all stakeholders including MPs, councillors and chiefs to dissuade people from engaging in violence,” she said.
She said it was “pertinent” for Jomic to organise a meeting with legislators and traditional leaders to explain the value of peace.
“Though it is a programme we had designed, with this happening it is now pertinent that we meet them. Murder and violence should be dealt with and the onus is on us to engage as many stakeholders as possible. We should speak one language and condemn whoever and whichever political party is involved in violence,” she said.
Cde Muchinguri said “blame games” among political parties would not solve anything.
“All parties perpetuate violence and are involved in it in one way or the other. Let us appreciate that we have a problem and find ways of dealing with it. This is why it is everyone’s duty to ensure that we create a peaceful nation.
“We are happy we now have monthly meetings with officials from the Police General Headquarters and we expect police to respect the rule of law and protect citizens,” she said.
Another Jomic member, Ms Tabitha Khumalo (MDC-T), said Zimbabwe could not afford to have its image “soiled” by “misguided elements”.
“It’s now a trend that whenever the word election is mentioned, violence erupts. Elections do not mean war. It is about campaigning and selling your party’s ideology and there is no reason to fight. Our principals should move in quickly and work with various stakeholders to avoid more shedding of blood,” she said.
She commended the police for “moving fast” to arrest the suspects involved in the Magura case. The push for joint meetings of principals comes as the country gears for elections this year. The MDC formations are against holding elections this year despite the expiry of the inclusive Government’s two-year tenure. President Mugabe has stated that elections will be held this year.
Online Reporter