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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter
THE National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) has said it will be deploying officials to communities being terrorised by machete-wielding gangs.
Some parts of the country, especially mining areas, have been hit by a wave of violence involving the use of machetes.
In an interview, NPRC chairperson Retired Justice Selo Nare said the commission was concerned about the violence in which machetes are used and has resolved to go to the ground with the hope of addressing the effects of the violence.
“Violence in the mining sector is one of our areas. I believe as I talk there should be some of our officers who are visiting those areas to find out exactly what is happening. Even at the start of the whole thing in Matabeleland, Commissioner (Leslie) Ncube and I held a meeting in Gwanda when people started talking about it,” said Rtd Justice Nare.
“We also talked about the matter last week when we had a meeting of the commission. This will enable our people to move to those areas and talk to the amaShurugwi among the machete-wielding gangs.”
NPRC decision comes at a time when law enforcement agents have taken a hardline stance to stop the lawlessness.
Nearly 2 000 people have been arrested countrywide.
Officially opening the 2020 legal year at the High Court circuit in Gweru last week, Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Martin Makonese, warned machete-wielding gangs against committing crime saying time has come to end this menace.
The judge said stiff sentences handed down in such cases will send out a clear message that violence of any form will not be tolerated in a civilised and democratic society. — @nqotshili
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