by Chiedza Tembo

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent a condolence message to the families of the victims of a violent demonstration staged by MDC-Alliance protestors yesterday to protest against the alleged vote rigging.

In a message on his twitter handle, President Mnangagwa described the deaths as a tragedy and urged the country to move forward together.

“I wish to send my sincere condolences to the families of the victims of yesterday’s violence. All human life is sacred, and their deaths are a tragedy, irrespective of the circumstances. I would also like to wish a speedy recovery to all those injured in yesterday’s events.

“They, alongside the families of the victims, are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. The most important thing for us now is to move forward, together,” he said.

President Mnangagwa also said he had called for an independent investigation into the matter to enable accountability and justice to take place.

“I am therefore calling for an independent investigation into what occurred in Harare yesterday. We believe in transparency, and accountability, and those responsible should be identified and brought to justice,” he said.

The Head of State further urged citizens to be united and settle differences amicably. He also said he was engaging opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, for progressive communication.

“It is also more important than ever that we are united and commit to settling our differences peacefully and respectfully, and within the confines of the law.

“We have been in communication with Nelson Chamisa to discuss how to immediately diffuse the situation and we must maintain this dialogue in order to protect the peace we hold dear. Together we must lead by example and show all Zimbabweans that peace is paramount. This land is home to all of us, and we will sink or swim together,” he said.

Yesterday, President Mnangagwa said MDC-Alliance leadership should be held responsible for any loss of life and damage to property that occurred due to the violence.

MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa has, however, not made a public comment condemning the violence perpetrated by his party supporters. Chamisa has also come under spotlight for fuelling and inciting his supporters to take to the streets, after he said he would not accept election results other than his victory.