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MDC-T to hold memorial service for supporters

Politics
THE MDC-T will today remember hundreds of its supporters who perished in politically motivated violence in a programme that is scheduled to start today in Zaka, Masvingo province, where some of the most gruesome cases of murder were recorded in the run-up to the 2008 polls.

THE MDC-T will today remember hundreds of its supporters who perished in politically motivated violence in a programme that is scheduled to start today in Zaka, Masvingo province, where some of the most gruesome cases of murder were recorded in the run-up to the 2008 polls.

BY STAFF REPORTER

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is expected to officiate at the event to remember more than 300 victims who were killed by suspected Zanu PF activists, while others were left severely wounded, displaced and impoverished after their homes and property were destroyed.

“The party is in solidarity with all the victims of violence countrywide and the launch will be in Zaka on Saturday (today) and the programme is meant to address restorative and rehabilitative justice particularly as we complete the last mile into a new Zimbabwe. The party has been doing a lot like paying school fees for the survivors,” said MDC-T organising secretary Nelson Chamisa.

“We lost 300 people while thousands of homes were destroyed, leaving many homeless. People lost property due to political violence.

“We chose Zaka as the starting point because of the gruesome torture and murders witnessed in 2008, but we will be rolling the programme to all the provinces.”

MDC-T supporters who perished include Mabvuku youth leader Tonderai Ndira, Better Chokururama, wife of Harare deputy mayor Emmanuel Chiroto, Abigail, Cain Nyevhe and Godfrey Kauzani.

Chamisa said the MDC-T was committed to peace, saying that the release of 13 doves by Tsvangirai at the party’s 13th anniversary in Bulawayo last week was a sign of their party’s commitment to non-violence.

Of the 13 doves, 12 were meant for the party’s 12 provinces and the last one was directed at State House.

Meanwhile, the political parties in the Government of National Unity have set up measures in the Electoral Amendment Act to curb politically-motivated violence ahead of fresh polls.

The parties agreed that the Attorney-General ensures sufficient competent prosecutors are provided to try all cases of politically-motivated violence.

“The Attorney-General shall ensure that during every election period sufficient competent prosecutors are provided to ensure that all cases of politically-motivated violence and intimidation arising within the area in which the election is being held are processed quickly and brought to court as soon as possible before the magistrates designated,” reads the Electoral Amendment Act in part.

“A court which convicts a person of an offence involving politically-motivated violence or intimidation committed during an election period may, in addition to any other penalty it imposes on the convicted person, prohibit him or her from campaigning or taking any further part in the election.”