MDC Calls For Soldiers' Arrest Over Mutoko Violent Attacks
Tatenda Gumbo
The Movement for Democratic Change formation of Industry Minister Professor Welshman Ncube wants Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) soldiers who allegedly attacked its supporters Saturday in Mutoko to be arrested.
Party spokesman Nhlanhla Dube said the ZNA must condemn the soldiers who were allegedly wearing military gear when they attacked the supporters after a rally in Mutoko, Mashonaland East.
At least six people were hospitalized at a local hospital following the incident.
The MDC said the delay by senior army officials to distance themselves from the attacks or deny the involvement of soldiers is an indication that Zimbabwe is failing to embrace multi-party democracy.
Dube told VOA Studio 7 the soldiers must face the full wrath of the law and the army should denounce the violence.
"Failure to bring those thugs to book gets the world, Africa, Zimbabwe and SADC member states to believe that all the statements that have been made by the commanders of the military are being put into effect," said Dube.
The Center for Community Development Zimbabwe condemned the weekend attacks saying they confirm that Zanu PF is planning to unleash terror ahead of crucial polls.
Center director Philip Pasirayi said the military’s role is to protect Zimbabweans and not intimidate them.
He urged the Southern African Development Community and other regional bodies to take a firm position on the Zimbabwe military in order to ensure that innocent supporters are not victims of political violence.
