Zaka traditional leaders call for peace

TRADITIONAL leaders here have called on Zimbabweans to observe peace ahead of the forthcoming harmonised elections, saying national interests should come ahead of partisan politics.

Addressing stakeholders during a peace awareness campaign at Jerera Growth point recently, Chief Nhema, Mr Rangarirai Bwawanda, urged Zimbabweans to heed President Mnangagwa’s clarion call to observe peace before, during and after the looming plebiscite slated for July 30.

Chief Nhema said development and prosperity in any society was underwritten by peace hence the need to uphold it.

He said political parties should not incite their supporters to engage in violence.

As traditional leaders, we remain apolitical and we do not delve into partisan politics but where there is need to give credit, we are duty- bound to do that,” he said. “We do not want violence here at all. Our district (Zaka) has been known for peace and as such, we are expecting our people to maintain the prevailing peaceful environment as harmonised elections draw closer.”

He emphasized that political parties and aspiring candidates should campaign peacefully and allow Zimbabweans to freely vote who they want to govern them.

“Voting is a constitutional right and no one is going to be forced to cast his or her vote. You should vote for a candidate of your own choice but it is very critical that you vote for those who have development at heart,” he said. Chief Nhema warned perpetrators and instigators of political violence that anyone found on the wrong side of the law will be duly punished.

“To those who may not take my words seriously, they will surely face the full wrath of the law. It should be everyone’s responsibility to guard against the disease of violence so that Zimbabwe remain a peaceful country,” he said.