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This article participates on the following special index pages:
Strikes and Protests 2007- Save Zimbabwe Campaign
Statement
on escalation of politically motivated violence in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC)
March 22, 2007
View Save Zimbabwe
Campaign index
of images and articles
The Zimbabwe
Council of Churches (ZCC) notes with dismay the escalation of politically
motivated violence countrywide that has been witnessed in the past
few days especially in the Machipisa area of Highfields. This orgy
of violence which is attributed to the ban on political gatherings
in Harare Metropolitan Province for 3 months is provoking the opposition,
especially at this strategic moment when political parties are preparing
for the 2008 Presidential Election as per our Constitution. ZCC
also notes with concern the statements being made by the police
that they will resort to maximum force (when tenets of the law say
minimum force) whenever the ban has been defied – this is another
provoking factor. We feel that the Zimbabwe Republic Police should
have engaged all stakeholders as provided by Section 27 (2) (b)
of the Public
Order And Security Act before deciding on the ban.
As ZCC we do
not condone violence by whoever, and we strongly condemn:
- The brutality
by the police in handling the incident of Sunday 11 March 2007
- The shooting
to death of the M.D.C activist, Gift Tandare – thereby further
provoking other supporters and at the same time instilling fear
among the civilians.
- The brutal
treatment of the opposition leaders and their supporters whilst
in the hands of the police leading to their serious injuries
- The attack
and subsequent injury of the police officers in Highfields
- The petrol
bombing and serious injury of the police officers at Marimba Police
Station
- The damage
to property
If this state
of affairs continues, we foresee a situation that will degenerate
into civil unrest where there will be a lot of bloodshed. We also
note with serious concern that criminal elements will manipulate
the situation to carry out criminal activities under the guise of
political activity.
We therefore,
call upon:
- The police
to refrain from being brutal when dealing with violent situations
- The government
and the police to consider lifting the ban on political gatherings
as this will continue to provoke acts of violence
- The opposition
to urge its supporters to exercise restrain from violent conduct
- The media
to be objective when covering such incidents
The church believes
in non violence and it is our hope that all stakeholders should
resort to non violent acts when carrying out their political activities.
Even Jesus Christ, as He was facing death did not believe in violence
(Luke 22 vs. 49 – 51).
We therefore,
recommend that:
- All stakeholders
engage in dialogue
- Police should
restrict themselves to their duties of arresting suspects and
investigating all criminal activities and not to use torture and
ill treatment as a means of interrogation.
- All political
parties be tolerant and embrace divergence views
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