Mnangagwa's govt condemns UK hooligans

Government has slammed an attack by opposition protesters directed at a Zimbabwean delegation in London led by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo who are on a four day re-engagement programme to strengthen bilateral relations and woo investments into the country.

In a statement, Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Service, Mr Nick Mangwana, who is part of the delegation described the attack as tragic and embarrassing to peace loving Zimbabweans.

"The delegation in London had great engagements with different stakeholders. Government of Zimbabwe condemns the violent attacks against the delegation by a group of opposition protesters outside Chatham House in London. It's tragic that the sceptre of violence during protests we see in Zimbabwe forcing the security services to act has reared its ugly head in foreign land discrediting not the Government but the hoodlums themselves and embarrassing peace loving Zimbabweans," said Mr Mangwana.

"The attacks have not, however, disrupted Minister SB Moyo's successful engagements in the UK in any way. Undeterred, his programme continued with fruitful meetings with the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, investors and tonight we end with engaging a progressive Zimbabwean Diaspora and other key stakeholders, whose support for our country's economic and political reform efforts remains steadfast. The Government of Zimbabwe remains committed to peaceful dialogue with all parties, with a view to building our country around shared values, including the principles of respectful disagreement and non-violence. We affirm the right of Zimbabweans to protest but to do so peacefully."

Minister Moyo was attacked by placard waving opposition protesters who were demanding the release of MDC Alliance national deputy chairperson, Mr Job Sikhala who has been arraigned before the courts for trying to subvert a constitutionally elected Government.