adminthe peaceful co-existence and growing levels of tolerance among various political players in Masvingo.
Speaking at an inter-party Jomic meeting, the political parties expressed happiness with high levels of tolerance saying the prevailing situation bode well for peaceful harmonised elections.
Jomic co-chair and Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial chairman Cde Lovemore Matuke said:
‘’We are happy as Zanu-PF with the level of political tolerance that is now obtaining in this province among the various political parties. This has led to the prevailing peaceful environment ahead of elections that should be held by July 31. We are happy and satisfied that people are heeding the call by President Mugabe that we should embrace a culture of non-violence,’’ he said.
Cde Matuke said Zanu-PF had vast experience in co-existing with different political parties as evidenced by its track record since that attainment of independence in 1980.
He said soon after independence Zanu-PF led by President Mugabe enunciated a policy of reconciliation which preceded the 1987 Unity Accord that brought together Zanu and Zapu.
Cde Matuke said the formation of the inclusive government in 2008 was further evidence of Zanu-PF’s peaceful co-existence countenance hence the continued prevalence of peace among people of various political persuasions in Zimbabwe.
Another Jomic co-chair and MDC-T provincial chairman Mr Wilstaf Sitemere also paid tribute to different political parties for exuding a non-violent culture which he said had greatly reduced cases of inter-party violence in Masvingo.
Mr Sitemere, while noting that there were still a few remaining areas where violence had been recorded, hailed the political parties in the inclusive government for encouraging their followers to refrain from using violence.
He, however, expressed concern over some traditional leaders in Masvingo who he said were still intimidating supporters of other political parties saying his party was going to take the matter up with the country’s national leadership.
MDC provincial chairman and another Jomic co-chair for Masvingo Mr Benaya Muchovo also praised the various political players in the province for inculcating a culture of non-violence which was beginning to bear fruit among communities.
Speaking at the same meeting Masvingo provincial police spokesman Inspector Peter Zhanero reiterated that violence would not be tolerated before, during and after the harmonised polls.
Inspector Zhanero said police were ready to act on perpetrators of violence.
Online Reporter