President Mnangagwa Orders Thorough Investigations On Political Violence
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa does not tolerate violence and has instructed members of the security forces to thoroughly investigate all incidences of politically motivated violence, and bring the perpetrators to book.
This was said by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe in a video statement posted on his Ministry’s Twitter handle on Thursday morning.
The statement follows a spate of incidences of politically motivated violence, including the death of Mboneni Ncube during violent clashes at a Citizens for Coalition Change (CCC) rally in Kwekwe recently.
Minister Kazembe warned that no one was above the law, adding that those who perpetrate violence will be prosecuted.
“President Mnangagwa is on record saying no to violence and he means it,” he said.
“He has directed us to ensure that anyone involved in violence is accounted for. So, I am simply saying no one is above the law and we are saying no to violence.
Minister Kazembe said everyone, regardless of their political affiliation had a right to freely express themselves.
“People are free to express themselves, as you have noticed people have been throwing all sorts of insults at each other. Not that it’s a good thing, but it shows that people are free to express themselves,” said the Minister.
“People are free to hold their rallies and we are simply saying they should do so without violence. Let’s campaign peacefully without any violence, we are one country, we are one people there is no need for violence.”
Political parties are now on full campaign trail as the country gears for the March 26 by-elections.
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Violence rocks CCC Kwekwe rally
ONE person reportedly died yesterday while scores of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporters were injured following an attack by suspected Zanu PF supporters during party leader Nelson Chamisa’s address at a campaign rally at Mbizo 4 Shopping Centre in Kwekwe.
The attackers charged into the crowd while Chamisa was addressing party supporters, resulting in a stampede.
Police confirmed the death of one person, saying they had arrested 16 suspects.
“We confirm the arrest of 16 suspects and the death of one person in connection with the violence that occurred in Kwekwe this afternoon. ZRP is now conducting investigations and more details will be released tomorrow,” Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told NewsDay last night.
CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said at least 17 people were hospitalised as a result of the attack.
“At least 17 people have been hospitalised while one person sadly lost his life following an orgy of violence by Zanu PF thugs during president Chamisa’s address. They used spears, machetes and iron bars. We condemn the regime’s use of violence against our members,” Mahere tweeted yesterday.
Her deputy Gift Ostallos Siziba said the elderly man had succumbed to injuries at Kwekwe General Hospital.
Zanu PF party national spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa yesterday said his party could not be blamed for violence on CCC supporters in Gokwe and Kwekwe.
