War vets hit out at MDC-Alliance

WAR veterans have described the attack on Zanu-PF offices and its property by MDC-Alliance supporters in central Harare last week as a knee-jerk reaction after the alliance was stung by an electoral defeat at the hands of the revolutionary party.

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association (ZNLWVA) secretary general Cde Victor Matemadanda said the MDC-Alliance attacked Zanu-PF offices because they knew they were the source of the brains behind their downfall.

Cde Matemadanda said this while addressing ruling party supporters after touring the offices to assess the damage caused.

The attack left a trail of destruction of other properties in central Harare, while claiming the lives of six people in the ensuing melee.

“We have come here because this is the place that was chosen by the MDC-Alliance for attack. The fact that they chose to attack the party headquarters, was because they knew that this is where the brains that defeated them came from.

“You have seen it during the liberation struggle. When the enemy is under siege at home, he will decide to bomb the rear bases, to try to weaken the spirit of fighting.

“Our message and word to Harare is that do not let your spirit be dampened by what happened or what was done by MDC-Alliance.”

Cde Matemadanda said although Zanu-PF Harare Province did not do well in the just-ended harmonised elections, they had performed better than other provinces, and including in previous elections.

“Although Zanu-PF did not do well in Harare, we are elated that the people of Harare gave Zanu-PF more than double to two or three other provinces,” he said.

“War veterans urge tolerance of divergent views. Intolerance of divergence leads to polarisation.

“The ugly era is in the dustbin. We want peace and tolerance. Tolerance is important regardless of which political party one belongs to. Zimbabwe is bigger than individuals. Political contestation is not war. Violence has no place and should never be allowed to have a place in our citizenry.”

Cde Matemadanda said war veterans had full confidence in the leadership of President Mnangagwa, who won the presidential election race by defeating his closest rival, Mr Nelson Chamisa of the MDC Alliance.

He called for unity and discipline among party cadres.