Mashonaland Central was one of the most volatile provinces during the last elections, in which the MDC-T lost some 200 supporters to political violence mostly perpetrated by Zanu (PF) youth militia and war veterans.
“We have seen that violence does not contribute to development. What happened during the 2008 elections should be stopped. Zanu (PF) stands for peace and I would like to warn those with violent tendencies that as a party, we have resolved that we will not offer any form of legal assistance to anyone arrested for political violence,” said Tsenengamu. He added that the setting up of torture bases as happened in 2008 would not be tolerated.
“As a party, we distance ourselves from any issues to do with torture bases. I do not know if they are there and who would have created them. If they are there, I would like to point out that these military bases are not ours. Zanu (PF) is not a military party,” said Tsenengamu. “The level of political tolerance at the present moment is very high. Recently, we held a sports tournament in Bindura where all parties were present. After that we embarked on a clean-up campaign at Howard Mission Hospital and all parties were there wearing their regalia,” he added.
He said similar tournaments would be held in remote areas as a way of ensuring that the message to embrace peace and tolerance ahead of the elections reaches the grassroots level.
Post published in: News