REPORTS that two people, one of them a toddler, were burnt to death after a hut belonging to a Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) member caught fire in a suspected case of politically-motivated violence are unfortunate. The dastardly deed is uncalled for and irresponsible especially as the country gravitates towards the 2018 election.
NewsDay Editor
The sad thing is that reports of people either being maimed or killed in politically-motivated arson attacks are increasing by each day countrywide at the instigation of leaders across the political divide.
This regrettable event reportedly occurred last Friday at Crotea Farm in Karoi. Zimbabweans would remember that ZimPF leader and former Vice-President Joice Mujuru’s party had run-ins with supporters of the warring ruling Zanu PF last month. The Zanu PF activists were trying to stop ZimPF from holding its first rally just outside Chinhoyi.
As expected, Zanu PF also organised a rally disguised as a meeting to distribute housing stands to party youths at the same venue, resulting in the two parties’ supporters clashing.
With that in mind, there is no doubt that the attacks on opposition members have the blessing of top Zanu PF officials who felt challenged by opposition parties in areas that they regarded as their strongholds.
We, however, believe that there is nothing that justifies the loss of life. The country has lost many precious lives already, hence we urge political leaders to stop their rogue supporters from killing opponents in their names.
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Zimbabweans have suffered enough and, therefore, must be allowed to support anyone they believe will carry their hopes when election comes. Coercing citizens to support or vote any particular political party is definitely unconstitutional.
We also urge party activists to desist from resorting to violence each time they lose supporters to rivals.
Politics is supposed to be a battle of the minds –ideas should win politicians supporters and not the use of force. We also urge the police and other State security apparatus to deal heavily with any forms of violence by any political party.
Selective application of the law where ruling Zanu PF supporters are left to terrorise the opposition will only come back to haunt them in the future.
This also breeds hatred among the citizenry. Zimbabweans have only one country to call theirs, therefore it is time to build peace, unity, and the economy and leave a better country for the next generation.
We also urge the Zanu PF leadership to call their supporters to order to avoid unnecessary bloodshed going into the future.
The citizenry are aware that the ruling party has been targeting opposition members in a bid to instil fear. So that trick will not help at elections again, for mortal individuals cannot stop an idea whose time has arrived. Zimbabweans owe it to themselves to maintain peace and build a strong country.
