Police warn against electoral violence

POLICE here have issued a strong warning to political parties against causing violence before, during and after the forthcoming harmonised elections saying those found on the wrong side of the law will be prosecuted.

Officer Commanding (Administration) in Masvingo Assistant Commissioner Crispen Makedenge warned that perpetrators of political violence will not be granted bail, but will go straight to jail.

Addressing a meeting, last week, attended by representatives of various political parties in Masvingo ahead of the official start of campaigning for the harmonised elections slated for July, Assistant Commissioner Makedenge said ZRP will increase its visibility to ensure peace across the province.

He said police would not tolerate any form of violence. Assistant Commissioner Makedenge said the situation on the ground showed that political temperatures were rising.

“We have a vision to hold peaceful elections in Masvingo province and we have liaised with the National Prosecution Authority and Judicial Service Commission to fast track the trying of all politically-motivated crimes as well as denying perpetrators bail,” said Asst Comm Makedenge.

He said experience from past elections have taught police that most of the violence was perpetrated during campaigns in the run up to elections.

“Incidents of violence in the past have seen murder, attempted murder and malicious damage to property cases being committed in the run up to elections.

“‘His Excellency, President Mnangagwa is on record preaching peace and the need for tolerance in the preparation and conducting of the 2018 harmonised elections.

“Peace begins with you, peace begins with me and peace begins with all of us. Our primary role as enshrined in Section 219 Amendment 20 of 2013, is to detect crime, investigate and ensuring security of our people,” he said.

All perpetrators of violence, warned Asst Comm Makedenge, will be arrested irrespective of political affiliation.

“We have put in place some measures to ensure that the forthcoming elections are not marred by violence and all perpetrators of violence will be arrested regardless of political affiliation, social standing, colour or creed,” he said.

Asst Comm Makedenge said police recorded cases of intra and inter party political violence in the province and some of the culprits were convicted and currently serving their sentences.

He urged the media to report objectively during the election period while appealing for dialogue and tolerance between different political parties to reduce tension.