Staff reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday warned against deliberate attempts by some rogue elements to ill-portray ZANU PF as a violence-ridden party ahead of the 23 August 2023 Harmonised General Elections.
The President reiterated that ZANU PF was a peace loving party which had nothing to hide.
While addressing thousands of people who had gathered for the Star Rally in Cowdray Park constituency in Bulawayo Province, President Mnangagwa castigated rogue organizations and all those who sought to ill repute and discredit the country’s election environment with allegations that ZANU PF was unleashing violence on members of the Citizen Coalition for Change party (CCC) ahead of the 23 August elections.
"Some organizations have made claims of violent attacks on opposition party members by ZANU PF supporters and so that is why we have welcomed international election observers to come and monitor the situation in Zimbabwe because ZANU PF has nothing to hide. All those who are attempting to incite violence will be disappointed because ZANU PF is a peace loving party,” he said.
President Mnangagwa implored all Zimbabweans to respect each other and maintain unity and peace during the election season. He underscored that ZANU PF remained committed to making sure that peace and tranquility is maintained in the country.
"ZANU PF remains committed to making sure peace, unity is maintained in the country despite tribe, race and location,” said the President.
Meanwhile, widespread acts of violence instigated by members of the CCC meted on ZANU PF members have been reported across the country. Recently in a politically motivated act of violence, ZANU PF Chisheta Political District Chairperson, Tony Jasi in Kujogo village was stoned by suspected CCC activists.
In another case, one member of the ZANU PF campaign team, Ephraim Saungweme was assaulted by a CCC activist, Farai Chireya at Zindonga Shopping Centre in Waterfalls on 23 July 2023, while ZANU PF member, Raphel Ndlovu was axed on the face by CCC member, Lihlohonolo Magabo in Magwegwe West terminus on 6 July 2023.
