The opposition United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) party has challenged the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)and the courts to be nonpartisan in dealing with politically-motivated violence cases ahead of general elections scheduled for 2023.
In a statement, UZA said there has been an increase in cases of political violence amid indications that the perpetrators are not arrested. UZA said:
Politically motivated violence incidences are increasing and this is a worrying trend and an impediment to a free and fair election.
The Constitution allows political competitors to freely campaign without fear of violence.
It is sad that perpetrators of violence walk scot-free despite being known.
This sets a bad precedent and shows the partisan conduct of government institutions.
Our party calls on the police and courts to bring to justice perpetrators of violence regardless of their political affiliation.
This comes after Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members including legislators were attacked by suspected ZANU PF youths in Matobo District on Sunday.
The CCC members were having a training meeting to capacitate polling agents at one of the homesteads in Tudi 2 village when they were brutally attacked by the thugs.