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Political violence in Zengeza
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)
March 29, 2004

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) deplores the political violence which occurred in Zengeza Constituency resulting in the death of one person and the injury of another two during a by-election over the weekend.

Even though there are counter accusations of which political party is responsible, it is that culture of violence during elections that must be eradicated.

The ZCTU would urge the police to, in the name of justice and without fear or favour, bring the culprits to book as quickly as possible and should make sure that such kind of action is not precedented.

It is high time voters realise that they cannot be manipulated and turned into animals that just kill each other simply because of a difference in opinion. In a democracy, people should be free to express themselves without fear.

The ZCTU is also shocked by some Media houses reports that there was no violence prior to and during the election in Zengeza when, in actual fact, a lot of people were assaulted. Of major concern is the fact that if people are denied the accurate information in an urban set up like Zengeza constituency, then what would be the case in rural areas where there are few sources of information.

Denying people accurate information by ignoring what was actually taking place in Zengeza and pretending that everything was fine is tantamount to press gagging and an assault on the right to information to the citizens of Zimbabwe.

Wellington Chibebe
Secretary General

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