President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that the government regrets the loss of life when the military and other security agencies use disproportionate force against demonstrators during the recent protests.
He, however, said there was no other alternative response to the riots. He revealed this on Wednesday night while addressing journalists at State House. Mnangagwa had this to say:
We have been accused of using disproportionate force, but these protesters were burning down police stations and various infrastructure, including toll-gates along our highways.
I am not sure how we were supposed to respond to that. Western countries, in particular, have raised concerns. Of course, we regret the loss of life, but we needed to protect property
as well as other citizens not involved in the protests. We have told the Western countries that they cannot turn around and raise concerns when they are the ones sponsoring the violence.
More than 12 people were killed, hundreds injured and more than a thousand injured when security forces armed with assault rifles, water cannons and tear gas poured into high-density suburbs in response to nationwide protests. The protests started on January 14 after Mnangagwa announced that fuel price would increase by over 150 per cent.
you are very right Mr President ! violence had to be stopped by violence. its a sad scenario that lives had to lost but instead of blaming the response people must also blame those who incite Violence to start with. ” chokwadi munhu ungatambe ne shumba ? unorumwa ka ”
we stand by you our leader.
pliz Mr President we are your children we are now drowned in extreme poverty .We have no jobs vending is the only way we are surviving.At least let us sale our ware whilst you revive our industry Have mercy on us we can’t even pay for our family food and school fees