VP fires warning shots

Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Getting children involved in criminal activity is detrimental to nation-building as it destroys the future of the nation, Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko has said. VP Mphoko made these remarks yesterday when he toured key infrastructure damaged in violent skirmishes that occurred here two weeks ago over the recently introduced import restrictions. He said some unruly elements hired youngsters for the illegal demonstrations, to loot goods and to destroy Government and private properties.

“It is very bad for someone to initiate children into criminal activities under the guise of fixing the Government. Even during the war of liberation, we did not have child soldiers. This culture must stop. We are destroying the future of our nation. The new imports laws are meant to stimulate the growth of local industries and the laws were arrived at after wide consultations. It is unfortunate that some criminals have seen an opportunity to strike and cause mayhem, hiding behind the new laws. We are coming after such criminals and we will get them. The warehouse that was burnt belongs to Government, but the property destroyed belongs to ordinary Zimbabweans. It is important that we confront our issues objectively as a people, and avoid sabotage. This is not benefiting anyone,” he said.

VP Mphoko said security forces were still investigating the skirmishes, which, he said, indicated the involvement of a third force.

He donated US$300 to Mrs Sarina Ndou whose shop was vandalised during the protests.

Police have so far arrested 78 people in connection with the violence, and 20 of them have since appeared in court on public violence charges.