The Sunday News
Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Rainbow Democratic Party (ZRDP) has castigated malcontents behind the bombing which occurred at a Zanu-PF rally held at White City Stadium in Bulawayo three weeks ago.
The party said the action was aimed at derailing the peaceful campaign period ahead of the country’s harmonised elections at the end of the month.
ZRDP joins a number of civic and political organisations across the globe that have condemned the terror attack, which has so far led to the death of two people and injured scores of people.
In a Press statement, ZRDP president Mr Cuthbert Ncube passed his condolences to the bereaved family members.
“ZRDP family roundly deplores and condemns the barbaric and satanic act of violence that recently unfolded in Bulawayo during a Zanu-PF rally. Our hearts and prayers are with the victims of this callous and heartless act. We are extremely saddened to hear that two of the victims of this unfortunate incident have since passed away. We pass our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones. As ZRDP, we respect the sanctity of human life and we boldly say no in our name,” said Mr Ncube.
He said the heinous act came at a time when the country was witnessing one of its most peaceful campaign election periods, further urging law enforcers to swiftly bring to book perpetrators of the criminal act.
“This disgraceful act took place at a time when Zimbabwe has made great strides in creating a rare peaceful climate for the July 30 harmonised elections. We insist that this cruel and inhuman act has no place in our politics. We do not want innocent blood to be shed in the name of politics. We urge Zimbabweans to remain vigilant and to co-operate with law enforcement agencies in making sure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to book,” said Mr Ncube.
He said there is a need to cleanse political- related violence as well as for political activists to adhere and abide with human rights.
“ZRDP will work with all like-minded Zimbabweans to cleanse our politics of this demonic culture of violence and intolerance.
We understand that those behind this shameless act seek to erode significant gains made towards nurturing a peaceful campaigning experience. As apostles of tolerance and peaceful co-existence, ZRDP urge Zimbabweans from all walks of life to desist from engaging in acts that further plunge the coming elections into a credibility crisis,” said Mr Ncube.
He said political parties should play a pivotal role in curbing violence prior and after the elections.
“Political parties have a role to ensure the upcoming elections are held in an environment of peace, tolerance and non-violence. ZRDP will continue to lead from the front until Zimbabwe’s politics is totally liberated from the culture of violence, intolerance and fear inherited in the past,” said Mr Ncube.
He hailed the peaceful environment obtaining in the country, saying they have not met with intimidation or violence since they started campaigning. In its campaign trail, the newly formed party has focused its visibility by conducting rallies in rural areas where it seeks to drum up popularity.
Mr Ncube said inasmuch as people celebrate peace, there is a need to continue the fight for equal rights and justice.
“Let us not only celebrate peace. Let us fight for equal rights and justice too.”
The party is convinced that if political parties continue to uphold people’s rights, the July 30 polls will be held in a credible and transparent manner as expected.
In one of his ZRDP outreach rallies at Old Pumula in Bulawayo, Mr Ncube said they appreciate efforts done to make sure that the electorate can exercise its right to express views freely and be able to associate with the party of their choice.
“We welcome the new era that has enlightened many of our countrymen to know about their rights. The battle has begun and so far since the Zimbabwe Rainbow Democratic Party started campaigning, it has been peaceful. We commend that and hope to experience the same even after the elections. What we call for is that all political parties respect the electorate. Our people have long been denied basic rights such as freedom of expression. The time is for us to vote in candidates that are going to give us economic freedom,” said Mr Ncube.
He however, said there are cases of voter intimidation in remote areas which are alleged to be perpetrated by some unscrupulous traditional leaders.
“But, there are certain unruly elements that are perpetrating violence and are reported to be influenced by some traditional leaders. We hope that situation is corrected as a matter of urgency.”
