Law Society of Zimbabwe wants political violence ‘nipped in the bud’

HARARE – The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) on Wednesday called on police to take “decisive action” against perpetrators of political violence to end the cycle of violent election years in Zimbabwe.

The professional body of lawyers spoke after last week’s brutal attack on elderly Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporters in Murehwa by Zanu PF thugs.

The lawyers warned that if police failed to get a handle on the violence now, clashes would fester throughout the election campaign season. Elections are due by August 26 this year.

The LSZ said in a statement: “The right to political choice is deeply ingrained in our constitution and no-one has a right to vary it at a whim.

“While police have indicated publicly that they are investigating the case and have issued an update on the progress made to date, it is important that stakeholders raise the red flag immediately in order to have such deplorable conduct nipped in the bud. This is even more so given that we are in an election year.

“We urge police to act with speed to bring to account those implicated in the Murehwa violence as a way of sending a clear message to all and sundry against such actions.”

Police on Tuesday revealed that they had arrested a 67-year-old man over the Murehwa violence. The man, who lives locally at Bhunu village in ward 4 of Murehwa North, allegedly provided information to the assailants who flogged the CCC supporters with logs.

The attack was “disconcerting to anyone who wishes Zimbabwe well,” the LSZ said, adding that “the scourge of political violence has continued to be a blot on our electoral processes for decades and given indications of political will to end it, it is important that decisive action be taken now to end it.”

The LSZ called on political leaders “to commit to non-violence not only in word but also in deed,” adding: “Insincere public pronouncements against political violence will not end the vice.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has denounced violence, but his rivals accuse him of “indicating left and turning right.” Before the Murehwa incident, Zanu PF supporters attacked CCC supporters in Matobo and Insiza during local authority by-elections. No arrests were made.

“Politicians must stop speaking with forked tongues, declaring commitment to a violent free election by day while coaxing their supporters to terrorise citizens by night,” the LSZ said.

“Zimbabwe now more than ever needs its leaders across the political divide to show maturity and leadership.”

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