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President Mugabe urged parliamentarians and party leaders to preach the message of national healing and reconciliation among the people.
“Let us, therefore, in unison, say NO! to violence in all its manifestations,” the President said.
The Head of State and Govern-ment and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ statements drew applause from the House.
The legislators asked President Mugabe to repeat the statement and he duly complied amid cheers.
The violent clashes began as early as the time people began gathering to witness the occasion.
The youths attacked each other and police moved in to quell the violence.
MDC-T councillor for ward 30 in Glen View, Victor Chifodya sustained a deep cut on the head after he was hit with a brick.
Councillor Chifodya tried to seek refuge behind a freelance journalist, Henry Chimbiri who was also assaulted.
Some motorists who were driving along Sam Nujoma Street were on some occasions forced to brake to avoid people fleeing the stone-throwing youths.
Pedestrians using the same street were also forced to divert route or seek refuge at nearby buildings.
Women were mostly on the receiving end of the violence.
People who witnessed the official opening lamented the violence, calling on the police to act.
“Everything else was fine except for the disturbances that occurred.
“Next time the police should react fast before it gets out of hand,” said Ms Rita Mucheche.
Mr Morris Dodo said: “It is disheartening that the police were just standing by while people were being beaten up.
“It was clear from the onset that there was tension and the police were supposed to call for reinforcements before things got out of hand.
“This will send a wrong message to people around the world that our processes are always marred by violence.”
Online Reporter