Why blaming ZANU-PF?

It really surprises how opposition parties accuse ZANU-PF for their political violence. The recent claim by members of ZimPF that ZANU-PF youths were behind the political fights that occured at Glen-View shops where ZimPF was suppose to hold its rally were nothing but just lies meant to tarnish the good image of the revolutionary party.

What makes ZimPF members quite certain that the people who disrupted their rally were ZANU-PF youths? Were they wearing ZANU-PF party regalia which clearly distinguish them from any other general people?  Is ZANU-PF the only party that exists in the political ground of this country? ZimPF should stop purveying falsehoods about other political parties and start concentrating on its party business.

It is public knowledge that Glen-View suburb is a stronghold of MDC-T. Who knows, maybe the violence was provoked by MDC-T members who are in great fear of Mujuru's party. ZimPF is not a threat to the ruling party but to MDC-T.

In short, ZANU-PF is not in fear or stumble over this new political party; ZimPF, instead it is other opposition parties. The revolutionary party has been in the political field since 1980 and remains firm and strong. Also, ZANU-PF will not lose sleep of ZimPF which is just a new kid on the political block.

History has it that a police officer Inspector Petros Mutedza was killed in that same area by MDC-T rowdy youths. What then will prevent those MDC-T youths from attacking ZimPF members?

It is essential for all political party leaders to go down to the grassroot structures and educate political party officials and supporters about the dangers of political violence.

Currently, ZimPF is at a mobilizing and recruiting stage, hence the reported political violence in Glen-View might have been stage managed. ZimPF could have started their violence so as to seek sympathy from the electorate. There are many strategies of gaining support that are used by political parties and planned violence is one of them. Hence, the recent political fights may possibly be part of ZimPF campaigning strategy.

To add on, Jim Kunaka is known as a violent man. He could have planned the violence as way of seeking public attention.

On the other hand, there has been written reports that, in Matabeleland members of ZimPF were already embroiled in fights over party positions. The violence that erupted in Glen-View could have been triggered by some ZimPF disgruntled members who maybe jostling for top positions. Why then blaming ZANU-PF?

In order to neutralize violence within political parties, the rule of law should be applied to all political sectors. The police should therefore arrest any person found guilty of violence regardless of his/her position or political affiliation.

In previous years most MDC-T rallies were suspended because of violence. If such forms of violence persist, police should also consider suspending them. This will encourage discipline among political party members.

All political parties must take a leaf from ZANU-PF. Through ZANU-PF, Zimbabwe is enjoying peace locally, regionally and internationally. The same should also happen in all opposition political parties.

Given the effects of political violence one can easily note that violence has many outcomes besides affecting party members involved in those political fights. On the other hand, political violence has short term effects which include degradation of infrastructure among others.    

In short, political violence negates existing peace, law and order in any nation. Hence, it should be considered as an unacceptable political instrument.