Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Friday criticized the deployment of state security agents in the country's rural areas ahead of elections that President Robert Mugabe and Mr. Tsvangirai have both indicated could be held next year.
Mr. Tsvangirai also urged Zimbabweans to take action when their rights are violated by anyone, including the state. He made the remarks speaking at an event to commemorate International Human Rights Day, as Thomas Chiripasi reported from Harare.
Newly appointed co-minister of national healing, Moses Mzila-Ndlovu of the Movement for Democratic Change formation of Deputy Prime Minister Authur Mutambara, said the real cause of violence in the country should be determined, and that counselling of perpetrators and victims should take place before steps are taken to punish those who have committed violence.
Mzila-Ndlovu told VOA Studio 7 reporter Sithandekile Mhlanga that national healing as promoted by his ministry is the best way to ensure human rights are not violated in future.