by Runagno Dzikira

Residents of Norton held a march for peace today following a call by the President Emmerson Mnangagwa for a peaceful campaign period ahead of the July 30 2018 elections.

Co-ordinated by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the march is intended to foster peace and tolerance among different parties and people from all walks of life, especially during the election period.

Addressing marchers at Katanga Shopping Centre, Chief Superintended Chingozha, said that the police force was pledging to advance the peace agenda as it was fundamental to any election.

“Government and the police force are pledging to ensure that we have a violent-free campaign and election period, and we are also appealing to you, the electorate to shun from any forms of violence so that you complement our efforts,” said Supt. Chingozha.

Adding on, he said, “This is one of the many marches and initiatives which the force has chosen to embark on and more marches are soon to be rolled out country wide.”

Chegutu and Norton were said to be the first to take up this initiative.

Norton’s march comes in the wake of the recent White City Stadium bombing which is believed to have been election fever motivated.

At the same time, beginning of the week saw 20 political party leaders signing a peace pledge, binding themselves to a code of conduct compelling them to campaign peacefully ahead of the upcoming elections.

Present at the march were Zanu PF supporters in their regalia, alongside sitting Norton independent House of Assembly member, Temba Mliswa’s supporters in their t-shirts, MDC Alliance, Zimbabwe Partnership for Prosperity (ZIPP) supporters, church leaders, and traditional leaders.

Chief Chivero was also there, lending his support to the peace initiative as a traditional leader.