Local civic groups have added their voices in condemning the political violence that happened in Matobo over the weekend urging political party leaders and supporters to be tolerant to differing views for the country to achieve a thriving democracy.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said the acts of violence by ruling party supporters were deplorable while urging people to be tolerant to those who hold differing views.
“The deplorable acts of violence by supporters of ZANU PF party are extremely concerning considering that they are happening ahead of general elections scheduled for 2023.
“Tolerance towards people who hold differing political views and utmost respect for fundamental rights and freedoms of everyone by all members of society is key to achieving a thriving democracy,” said ZLHR.
The human rights lobby group urged political leaders to preach tolerance and dissuade their supporters from resorting to stone-age tactics of settling political differences.
“The unprecedented levels of polarisation can only be addressed when there is political will from leaders of offending political parties, who must preach tolerance, diversity of political beliefs and thought and decisively dissuade their supporters from resorting to barbaric and stone-age tactics of settling perceived political differences,” added ZLHR.
The Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (ZESN) recommended that perpetrators of political violence be arrested without fear or favour while appealing to political parties to engage the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) to facilitate dialogue and offer possible solutions for prevention of future disputes and conflicts.
“ZESN also urges political parties to engage the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) in such instances so that they investigate, speak out against violence, uncover the causes behind the conflicts, and assist all victims of the conflict, to facilitate dialogue among political parties and offer possible solutions in order to prevent conflicts and disputes arising in the future,” ZESN said in a statement.
