eBusiness Weekly
Africa Moyo recently in HWANGE
War veterans have called for stiffer penalties on anyone implicated in fanning political violence ahead of the watershed July 30, 2018, harmonised elections.
Accused of being merchants of violence during former President Robert Mugabe’s regime, war veterans have criticised electoral violence in all its forms.
Secretary-general of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) Victor Matemadanda, last week said it was imperative that people preach peace ahead of the elections.
The nomination court sat countrywide at different centres to accept names of candidates to take part in the polls, setting the stage for full scale electioneering by all political belligerents.
Cde Matemadanda, who was speaking during the 46th Kamandama Mine disaster commemorations, also implored public prosecutors to oppose bail for anyone arrested for fomenting violence between now and July 30.
“Some people might look at safety and think it only applies to the work environment. Even in politics, we also want safety because as we campaign, if you get used to uttering words that make people angry, you endanger their safety,” said Cde Matemadanda.
“People must learn to be responsible, whenever they are talking or doing whatever they are doing. Be it politics or work that gives them money; when people get to a place where violence has erupted, you have broken the rules of safety.
“So as we also get into this election mood, let us also restrain ourselves from saying issues that impact negatively on people.
“If anyone has been arrested for fanning violence, we say they must stay there until after the elections because if they come out, they might inflict more violence.”
Cde Matemadanda’s calls dovetail with those of President Mnangagwa, who has repeatedly implored political parties to refrain from engaging in political violence to ensure next month’s polls are free, fair and credible.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) elections team is currently going around the country engaging other officers, and informing them of expectations before, during and after the elections.
ZRP Commander 2018 Harmonised Elections Committee, Senior Assistant Commissioner Erasmus Mukodza was in Chinhoyi on Monday where he met fellow police officers and journalists.
Senior Ass Comm Mukodza, reiterated the ZRP’s zero tolerance to violence, adding that anyone caught on the wrong side of the law would be dealt with accordingly.
Equally, said Senior Ass Comm Mukodza, the conduct of police officers is seen as critical in ensuring that the credibility of the polls is maintained in tandem with President Mnangagwa’s calls on the need for stakeholders to observe and promote law and order before, during and after the plebiscite.
“In this regard, all members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police are hereby directed to exhibit a high level of discipline during the pre-election and post-election period.
“As police we are going to ensure increased visibility in all crime-prone areas and political gatherings to guarantee that a tranquil environment prevails throughout the entire election period.
“In this vein, all perpetrators of politically motivated crimes would be brought to book and cases expeditiously referred to court for prosecution,” said Senior Ass Comm Mukodza.
Government has already set up special courts to deal with matters of political violence.
To fully clampdown on politically motivated violence, members of the public have been advised to also play their part by reporting to their nearest police any such cases which might manifest themselves in the form of threats, intimidation or assault.
Political parties have also pledge to uphold peace in the build up to the elections.
Just a few cases of intraparty violence have been reported, mainly in the MDC-T faction led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
Zanu-PF has also had a few cases of intra-party violence and threats of violence particularly from candidates who lost in primary elections.
Cases of political violence cannot be completely discounted across the world.
Neighbours South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique and even some European countries, have had elections marred by violence although the magnitude has been minimal.
In South Africa, cases of killings of winning councillors and MPs have been on the rise since 2014, particularly in Kwazulu Natal and Western Cape.
This means Zimbabwe has so far done commendably in terms of maintaining peace ahead of such key elections.
