Chihuri warns against political violence, ahead of constitutional referendum

Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri has said the force will not give a chance to perpetrators of political violence ahead of the forthcoming constitutional referendum and general elections.

He said police should be on the lookout for elements that try to distract them from their mandate.

Comm Gen Chihuri was speaking yesterday while debriefing 240 officers who recently visited liberation war shrines in Mozambique and Zambia.

"To those bloody-thirsty perpetrators of political violence, police will not watch while you try to pollute the country," said Comm Gen Chihuri.

"President Mugabe has already indicated that unruly elements are unwanted in the society and with elections around the corner, police will be equal to the task. The force is mandated by the Constitution with the responsibility of maintaining peace and eternal security."

Comm Gen Chihuri took a swipe at civic society groups, which he said were being used by Western countries to effect regime change in the country. He described them as "myopic" and of "shallow thinking."
"Just like during the liberation struggle, they (colonialists) use harsh and tactical methods to try and re-colonise us, but we will not budge to their pressure," said Comm Gen Chihuri. "It's high time we make an introspection and defend our country at all costs and defeat these agents of regime change once and for all."

The country's independence, Comm Gen Chihuri said, came through sacrifice and police should not stand idle while the nation was under Western onslaught characterised by illegal sanctions.
He said there was need for every patriotic Zimbabwean to be infused with the ethos and values of the liberation struggle.

"Significantly, I urge you to guard jealously the legacy which was left behind by those who tirelessly fought for the emancipation of our people," said Comm Gen Chihuri. "Do not sell back the land to the Westerners, for in doing so, you will be undermining the efforts and sacrifices of our fighters." Senior Assistant Commissioner Grace Ndebele, who led the delegation to the liberation war shrines, highlighted the importance of educating youths on the liberation struggle.

She said that would help them appreciate where "we came from".
"This is a way of showing them that our independence was cultivated and watered with sweat, blood and tears," said Snr Asst Comm Ndebele.

Thousands of freedom fighters were massacred in Mozambique and Zambia by the racist Rhodesian forces, led by Ian Smith, during the Second Chimurenga.
In their testimonies, the police officers who visited the liberation war shrines in the two countries, said the trip was an eye opener.