Full Text: “Give ED A Chance” – MDC-T Khupe Issues Statement On 14 January Violence

The MDC-T Party led by Thokocani Khupe has issued a statement following the violent protests on 14 January 2019.

We publish the full statement below:

MDC-T Press Statement condemning violent protests.

14 January 2019

Zimbabwe’s socio-economic challenges are deeply rooted and they date back to more than two decades ago. There’s not going to be a quick-fix solution to our myriad of economic challenges. The economy has been in the intensive care unit ( ICU) for more than two decades and surely one can’t expect an ICU patient to simply walk out of the ICU ward and go straight home without passing through the high dependency unit (HDU) ward, then the general ward and ultimately, discharge from hospital.

In all sincerity, ED should be given a chance and put on strict terms to turn around the economy or else he gets booted out of power in the next elections. Now, let’s not even pretend that the MDC Alliance has got the magic formula to turn around the socio-economic fortunes of Zimbabwe overnight, They simply don’t have what it takes to do that. You just have to take a look at the dilapidated condition of Harvest House to appreciate that its occupants have got absolutely no clue as how Zimbabwe’s comatose economy can be turned around. When it comes to demonstrations, Section 59 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees the right to demonstrate and to present petitions, but these rights must be exercised peacefully.

Looting of shops and supermarkets is not a peaceful demonstration, its theft and illegal. Section 59 of the supreme law of the land, the constitution of Zimbabwe doesn’t guarantee the right to engage in violence, banditry and terrorism.

The ZRP should ensure that all culprits who were involved in the violence eruptions today are arrested. It is very easy to destroy and very expensive to build. Conflict must be resolved through dialogue and not violence. The MDC-T condemns the violent protests and any form of violence that occurred today. We express our heart felt condolences to all the families that lost their loved ones today. It has been always good to do good, as a party, the MDC-T urges every Zimbabwean citizen to know and understand that we live once and let us not let political ambitions or affiliations cost the most precious gift that every human being always pray for – LIFE.

Let us put life and safety first as we exercise our constitutional right to protest and demonstrate.

We pray that God Himself will console those who have lost their loved ones in this process as well as touching them with his healing hand. MDC-T wishes all those innocent people who became victims of the violent protests and those who got injured in the process of exercising their rights peacefully a speedy recovery.

Linda Tsungirirai Masarira
MDC-T National Secretary for Information and Publicity

Equal Opportunities for all

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