Harare (New Ziana)-Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe on Friday said the police have arrested 12 suspects in connection with the politically motivated killing on Thursday of Tinashe Chitsunge in Glenview high density suburb.

Addressing a press conference, Kazembe said the police have “no sacred cows” when it comes to perpetrators of violence during the ongoing election period.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage is disturbed by the recent emergence of pockets of political violence in some parts of the country as the nation prepares for the pending harmonised elections scheduled for 23rd August 2023. I wish to reiterate that the government of Zimbabwe does not condone acts of political violence by individuals, groups or political parties under the guise of campaigning for the elections.

“In this regard, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified investigations into the public violence incident which occurred at Chimbumu grounds, Tanaka new stands, Glenview 7, Harare on 03rd August 2023.

“My Ministry deeply regrets the loss of life which occurred and passes its condolences to the family of Tinashe Edson Chitsuge. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has since arrested 12 suspects in connection with this sad incident” he said.

Kazembe said he has ordered the police to arrest perpetrators of violence regardless of political affiliation or status.

“My Ministry has directed the Commissioner General of Police to arrest perpetrators of violence without looking at one’s political stature, status, identity or financial muscle. Therefore, all malcontents who want to damage the image of the country and discredit the forth coming elections will have themselves to blame.

“May I urge political parties to assist in the maintenance of law and order by telling their supporters to shun all forms of violence,” he said.

On the preparedness of the police to maintain peace during the elections period, Kazembe said they are on high alert.

“On the other hand, my Ministry has also directed the Commissioner General of Police to put stern measures in place throughout the country to ensure that the harmonised elections are held in a peaceful, free , fair and credible environment. The security arms of the government are on high alert to deal with criminal elements decisively before, during and after elections,” he said.
New Ziana