Traditional, church leaders call for peace

Fortunate Gora Correspondent
Traditional and church leaders in Mashonaland West Province have called on Zimbabweans to respect the country’s laws and remain peaceful for the country’s development.

The leaders urged people to respect the verdict of the Constitutional Court, which sits tomorrow to consider merits of MDC-Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa’s presidential election results challenge.

Mr Chamisa is challenging President Mnangagwa’s 50,8 percent win in the July 30 harmonised elections where he got 44,3 percent.

He is alleging rigging, citing some alleged irregularities.

In an interview, Mashonaland West provincial chiefs’ council chairman, Chief Ngezi, urged people from different political affiliations to respect the law.

“Zimbabwe is a lawful country and people should respect its processes and the outcome of the court hearing on Wednesday,” he said.

“No one is above the law and we should respect our courts.”

Chief Ngezi said Zimbabweans had shown a high degree of tolerance and peace before the August 1 incident which claimed six lives following violent demonstrations by MDC-Alliance supporters at the instigation of their leaders.

The peace, he said, should be nurtured.

MDC-Alliance supporters went on a rampage on August 1, destroying property and exposing the lives of people in the CBD to danger, leading to the death of six people.

They were protesting against alleged delays by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission in announcing the Presidential results.

“Generally, Zimbabweans are regarded as peace-loving people,” said Chief Ngezi.

“The protests that occurred early this month and the terrorist attack that took place in Bulawayo shocked many people globally.”

Zimbabwe Amalgamated Churches Council patron Cde Jimayi Muduvuri said the church was playing its part in praying for the nation to ensure peace prevails.

“Churches are praying in all the provinces across the country,” he said.

“God must intervene in terms of peace and stability so that the country can go ahead in the rebuilding process.”

Cde Muduvuri said churches understood that true leadership came from God and the church was praying for whoever God chose to lead Zimbabwe.

He expressed the church’s appreciation of the peaceful conduct of the July 30 harmonised elections.

Cde Muduvuri urged Zimbabweans to heed President Mnangagwa’s call for peace and tolerance.