ZAPU condemns the recent spate of political violence in the country

THE Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU) is deeply concerned with media reports of rising political violence in Harare, including clashes involving the police.

As a revolutionary party that waged a protracted war against the colonial rule in a concerted search of lasting freedom for all Zimbabweans regardless of class, gender, political affiliation or creed, ZAPU in no uncertain terms, calls all those involved and Zimbabweans at large to exercise restraint.

That Zimbabweans have suffered for long and unnecessarily under an autocratic rule that has robbed the masses of the fruits of independence, needs no further mention.

And amidst this perennial poverty spread across our once beloved nation-Zimbabwe- violence surely has no place in solving the great questions of the day.

While acknowledging that Zimbabwe  direly  needs some radical socio, economic and political changes to save the masses, we are adamant  that in a so called independent Zimbabwe physical confrontation has no place in salvaging  the country from  its doldrums.

Perhaps what is more disturbing is that those in the top echelons of power seem to be abusing their influence by reckless statements   that seem to steer violence in the country.

Therefore utterances by First Lady Grace Mugabe that Mashonaland Central is a no go area for the opposition, are utterly regretted. To be frank, she should apologise and withdraw the statement forthwith and in future she should desist from such inflammatory statements.

Our passionate call to every Zimbabwean and especially to all political players is that Zimbabwe today is unfortunately a polarized country. As we fast approach 2018, when the county is set to go for the next general elections, we should tread carefully lest a rewind of the tragic Gukurahundi scenario or the 2008 political bloodshed is inevitable.

ZAPU as a party believes that it is the right of every Zimbabwean to enjoy freedom and peace.  Our definition of the two- which is rooted in the values of the liberation struggle-are the very guiding values which were epitomized by our revered late leader and Father Zimbabwe Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo and current leader Dr Dumiso Dabengwa.

It means freedom from misrule, from poverty and from insecurity! This was the bedrock of our liberation ethos and a; lesson that our peers from the political divided needs to take note of.

And apparently, our long- held position that while Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980, freedom remains a far-fetched dream has been vindicated by home affairs minister Ignatius Chombo.

His statements to the effect that Zimbabwe is a democracy  but freedom is not absolute speaks to the culture reining supreme in the ruling party of a keen appetite to confine our God given and blood won liberties!

ZAPU means more and come 2018 we are geared to rinse away the cosmetic face of Zimbabwean democracy that underneath provides cover for the very ills that have brought the country on its knees such as corruption, military rule, and government inefficiency among others.