Following the gruesome murder of Moreblessing Ali, a Citizen for Coalition for Change (CCC) member in Nyatsime, Heal Zimbabwe has noted increased tensions and cases of political violence among political parties.
Ahead of the memorial service of Ali on 14 June 2022, there were fierce clashes between the CCC youths and ZANU PF youths. In the process, threats of violence and intimidation were issued and were followed up by retaliatory violence including having several houses belonging to rival political parties being torched. At present, HZT notes that the police are seized with investigations on the circumstances surrounding the violence.Heal Zimbabwe urges all citizens to shun violent behavior and uphold peace as the police conclude investigations. All political parties particularly ZANU PF and CCC must reign in on their errant supporters who might be bent on perpetrating violence as the country prepares for elections in 2023.
These recent incidences of violence and arson are a testament to how the country has failed to decisively deal with the demon of violence. We call on the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), a commission charged with the promotion of national healing, unity and cohesion and the peaceful resolution of disputes to accelerate their efforts to address conflicts and violence arising in the country. Heal Zimbabwe further implores political parties in Zimbabwe to embrace amicable and peaceful means of resolving political differences such as dialogues.
Source: Heal Zimbabwe