Makandiwa 'violence' prophecy welcomed

Religious leaders and political analysts say Zimbabweans should dismiss with contempt those who want to get to power by inciting people to rebel against an elected government.

The comments come in the wake of revelations by United Family International Church (UFIC) founder, Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa that violent protests might lead to bloodshed.

Analysts said challenges facing the nation require that Zimbabweans be united in seeking solutions and not disorder.

Bishop Trevor Manhanga of the Pentecostal Church said the RENAMO syndrome where losing politicians resort to violence should not have a place in Zimbabwe.

He said those calling for people to go on the streets and demonstrate are being retrogressive.

Bishop Manhanga said parliament is the place where representatives of different spheres of society can meet in a civil manner and exchange ideas on national development and not on the streets.

University of Zimbabwe lecturer, Dr Charity Manyeruke warned Zimbabweans not to take for granted the peace and stability that they have, adding that they should refuse to take part in destructive mass actions.

"Zimbabweans as a God-fearing people should not conspire against their government and should instead respect their leadership," she said.

While addressing his followers on Tuesday night in Harare, Prophet Makandiwa shared a vision in which he said he had seen demonstrations that led to violent confrontations with security forces.

The prophecy has been interpreted as a reminder of the violent stay-aways, strikes and demonstrations that contributed to the destruction of the local economy at the turn of the new millennium.