THE Zimbabwe African People’s Union (Zapu) has said it is deeply irked by alleged escalation of political violence in Harare, including clashes which reportedly involved the MDC-T supporters and the police.
By SILAS NKALA
The party also condemned utterances by First Lady Grace Mugabe that Mashonaland Central “is a no-go area for the opposition”.
In a statement on Saturday, Zapu secretary for information, publicity and marketing, Mjobisa Noko, said as a revolutionary party that waged a protracted war against colonial rule in a concerted search of lasting freedom for all citizens regardless of class, gender, political affiliation or creed, Zapu was urging all Zimbabweans to refrain from violence.
“That Zimbabweans have suffered for long and unnecessarily under an autocratic rule that has robbed the masses of the fruits of independence, needs no further mention,” Noko said.
“And amidst this perennial poverty spread across our once beloved nation — Zimbabwe — violence surely has no place in solving the great questions of the day.”
Noko further said, while acknowledging that Zimbabwe direly needed some radical socio-economic and political changes to save the masses, Zapu was adamant that “in a so-called independent Zimbabwe”, physical confrontation had no place in salvaging the country from its doldrums.
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“Perhaps what is more disturbing is those in the top echelons of power seem to be abusing their influence by reckless statements that seem to steer violence.”
He said utterances by Grace over Mashonaland Central being “a no-go area” for the opposition, were utterly regrettable.
Grace recently told party supporters at a rally that Mashonaland Central should be a no-go area for the opposition.
“To be frank, she should apologise and withdraw the statement forthwith and in future, she should desist from such inflammatory statements,” Noko said.
“Our passionate call to every Zimbabwean, especially political players, is that Zimbabwe today is unfortunately a polarised country.
“As we fast approach 2018, when the country is set to go for the next general elections, we should tread carefully lest a rewind of the tragic Gukurahundi scenario or the 2008 political bloodshed is inevitable.”
Noko said Zapu believes it is the right of every Zimbabwean to enjoy freedom and peace.
“Our definition of the two, which is rooted in the values of the liberation struggle, are the very guiding values which were epitomised by our revered late leader and Father Zimbabwe Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo and current leader Dumiso Dabengwa.”
The secretary said, apparently, the long held position that while Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980, freedom remained a far-fetched dream.
“Zapu means more. Come 2018, we are geared to rinse off the cosmetic face of Zimbabwean democracy that underneath provides cover for the very ills that have brought the country on its knees such as corruption, military rule, and government inefficiency among others,” Noko said.
