Civic Society organisations under umbrella of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) have called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to publicly condemn violence in his party and live up to what he said during the ruling party’s politburo meeting recently.
The Coalition made the call following violence that erupted against Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa in Gokwe on Thursday, several people including journalists were injured following attacks from suspected Zanu PF supporters.
In a statement, CiZC spokesperson Obert Masaraure said it would be insincere for the President to openly criticize violence whilst tolerating it in private.
“We further call on President Mnangagwa to publicly denounce violence within his party and live up to his own words, when – while addressing a Zanu PF Politburo meeting on Tuesday – he said, Zanu PF supporters should preach the gospel of peace, unity and love. It would be hypocritical of him to publicly denounce violence, while secretly condoning it, and in light of these recurring incidents, it is only prudent for Mnangagwa to call out his party supporters,” said Masaraure
He called on the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to investigate and arrest perpetrators of violence to boost public confidence of the police.
“Police should – without fear or favour- investigate, arrest and prosecute perpetrators of political violence, many of whom are known, and this not only enhances public confidence of the law enforcement agents, but also deters would be perpetrators, and creates and peaceful and free environment as Zimbabwe heads for the 2023 elections.
“The Coalition further implores the police not to coalesce with the ruling party in denying the opposition and civil society actors the space to conduct their business in line with the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of association, assembly and expression.
