Address the Gukurahundi issue - Tsvangirai

MDC president, Morgan Tsvangirai, has called on all stakeholders to address the contentious Gukurahundi issue saying doing so would facilitate the national healing process.

Speaking at a rally held at Dingumuzi Stadium in Plumtree Saturday, Tsvangirai told party supporters that silence over the issue would not help matters. Tsvangirai said that if the Gukurahundi matter was not addressed it would ultimately become a burden to the nation.

"The process of national healing will therefore be fruitless," said Tsvangirai.

Zanu PF has said the Gukurahundi issue, which President Mugabe once referred to as a moment of madness was a "closed chapter" and those calling for its revival wanted to "open old wounds."

Meanwhile, Zapu president, Dumiso Dabengwa says dishing out beer to victims of the infamous Matabeleland 1980s massacres will not silence them.

Dabengwa said the simple act of giving victims beer is no panacea to many cries for justice adding that the victims are better placed to determine a lasting solution to close this dark chapter in the history of the country.

Addressing a press conference to mark Zapu's 50-year silver jubilee celebrations Dabengwa said the Gukurahundi issue needs to be handled sensitively.