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No to politically motivated violence: Highfield residents
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
July 23, 2012

Residents of Highfields have vowed to resist any attempts by politicians to use them as tools of politically motivated violence. This was heard during the launch of the Association's peace social games which were held in Highfields suburb on Saturday 21 July. The games drew participants from all across the political divide and JOMIC graced this historic event in which communities made public declarations against political violence. The games which are being run under the theme, "Chipangano Chorunyararo" are set to be done in parts of Harare were political violence is on the increase.

Statistics have shown that violence was on the increase especially in areas where there is more local economic development that includes Mbare and Highfields. Harare residents have become victims of the infamous Chipangano, a Mbare based youth militia group which is highly suspected to having close links with ZANU PF. Youths are being used under the controversial youth empowerment drive to coerce people to join a political party which they do not like or risk losing business in the aforementioned areas. This status quo has necessitated initiatives like the peace social games to try and ameliorate the rising levels of political violence. Cognizant of the proposed electoral and referendum timelines, it is also important for communities to try as much in desisting from the 2008 scenario in which Zimbabweans were now divided along political blood. Peace and political tolerance remain salient pre-requisites for a free and fair election hence CHRA will strife immensely to ensure that violence is on the decrease in Harare.

The next games will be played in August and they will bring together membership civil society organizations to participate at an inter-Civil society peace cup.

Visit the CHRA fact sheet

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