By Bernard Mutambudzi

The business community in Harare is finalizing a paper on the huge losses incurred during the August 1 incident in which rowdy MDC Alliance went on a rampage to stone and loot shops.

Giving evidence before the public inquiry by a commission led by former South African President, Kgalema Motlanthe into the August incident, Director Legal services in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Never Katiyo said business incurred huge losses as result of the incident.

“The event impacted negatively on the business of retailers as shops were vandalized and a lot of property destroyed,” said Katiyo.

He said the demonstrators forced shops to close and vehicles were not spared either.

“As business, we are deeply concerned with the incidents of violence that rocked the streets of Harare at the instigation of some members of the then MDC Alliance leadership, which subsequently resulted in damages to property,” said Katiyo.

He said the country was currently driving the ‘Zimbabwe is open for business crusade’ and the disturbances derailed the momentum the country had taken.

“This process was wasteful to tax-payer’s money which is used for building national development,” said Katiyo.

The incident was widely condemned by the international community which urges the MDC leadership to accept defeat.

Commenting on the 1 August incident, Political analyst, Alexander Rusero said national conscience should rise above petty political party idiosyncrasies.

He said the country should move forward and work with the party with the duly elected President.