War vets denounce post-poll violence
WAR veterans have denounced violent demonstrations held by MDC-Alliance supporters in Harare on Wednesday that resulted in six deaths, 14 people injured and destruction of property worth thousands of dollars.
Addressing journalists yesterday, war veterans spokesman Cde Douglas Mahiya urged the youths to desist from abuse by politicians.
Cde Mahiya said it was disturbing that the MDC-Alliance had engaged in violent demonstrations when the results were not yet out.
“We have learnt with great shock and sadness that some people, mainly MDC-Alliance youths went into the streets to violently demonstrate against results of the ongoing 2018 harmonised elections, leading to the death of three people (now six), as the protesters clashed with the law enforcement organs of the State,” he said.
“Violent demonstrations were not about parliamentary results announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, but about presidential results which were yet to be announced. This has not yet delayed in any manner as the five-day period has not lapsed.”
Cde Mahiya said MDC-Alliance should approach the courts if they had any grievances.
“Why did the MDC-Alliance not approach the electoral court as the right institution to handle elections, but instead chose violent demonstrations?” he said.
Cde Mahiya said President Mnangagwa’s administration demonstrated commitment to free, fair and credible elections.
He also spoke on the Chamisa-Mugabe relationship which emerged during the campaigns.
“During the campaigns, Mr Chamisa already indicated that he would organise mass action if he lost,” said Cde Mahiya.
“The alliance forged between a bitter Advocate Chamisa and the bitter former president Robert Mugabe is worrying as we feel it is a recipe for violence.
“We condemn the violence perpetrated by the MDC Alliance in no uncertain terms and we call upon other organisations to do, so including churches, NGOs, traditional leaders, youth groups and others, before our nation is plunged into civil conflict.
“We, therefore, call upon all Zimbabweans to be vigilant and desist from being used to return the country to selfish dynastic rule. Let us preach peace despite whatever comes out of the elections. Let us remain united and peaceful and build our nation. We should not be divided by politics as we are all Zimbabweans.”
Cde Mahiya said in less than a year since he resigned in November last year, Mr Mugabe had joined the opposition, violating whatever legacy that remained of him.