MP condemns upsurge in cases of violence

From Walter Mswazie recently in Insiza
INSIZA South MP Cde Malachi Nkomo has condemned the upsurge in cases of violence involving the use of dangerous weapons in his constituency.Cde Nkomo, addressing mourners during the burial of a Zanu PF district member, Violet Chapenga Phiri, of Kuthula Village under Chief Maduna in Filabusi on Saturday, said the culture of violence must be stopped and urged parents to assist the youth in resolving disputes.

“I am concerned with the high rate of crime within my constituency. Of late, young people are killing each other using knives, bricks, knobkerries, stones among other weapons and the trend is worrying,” he said adding: “We are now popular for the wrong reasons.”
Cde Nkomo urged members of the public to approach traditional leaders and the elderly for counsel when they have disputes instead of resorting to violence.

He went on: “I call upon everyone in this constituency to exercise restraint and make use of traditional leaders when there are disputes. Violence must not in any way be taken as a tool for resolving conflicts.

“The use of knobkerries, stones, knives or bricks as a way to end conflicts always has disastrous consequences.”
Cde Nkomo said he was disturbed by the number of murder and assault cases reported from Insiza South. “Hardly a week passes without reading a violence-related story about this area in the media. I therefore appeal to you all to exercise restraint as stabbing or stoning someone does not pay,” he said.

“If we look closely, a number of people here are related and if one murders someone you would have invited a bad omen into the entire family. No person will die in vain, uyabe uzidalela ingozi.”

The former radio presenter said he has asked the police to ensure that all perpetrators of violence were brought to book. Cases of stabbing have been on an upward trend in the southern region, especially during the festive season, with the use of okapi knives becoming an issue of concern to the judiciary.

Opening the Hwange High Court Circuit recently, a Bulawayo judge, Justice Martin Makonese, expressed concern over knife crimes and called for stiffer penalties on perpetrators.