President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday urged Zimbabweans to desist from engaging in political violence in the run-up to general elections scheduled to be held later this year.
Mnangagwa made the remarks in Gweru yesterday after he was conferred with Freedom of the City status by Gweru City Council. He said:
I am humbled by the honour you have bestowed upon me. It is an indication that democracy in our country has matured.
This is a demonstration that there is much more that unites us no matter our party differences and preferences.
This is what it should be in a democracy. We are all Zimbabweans. This is our only home, our only country.
This is the spirit that should permeate our country.
Even as we gear up for the forthcoming harmonised elections, let us remain united, preaching peace and harmony among our people.
The majority of Gweru councillors are from the opposition, including the mayor, Hamutendi Kombayi, who is a member of the MDC Alliance.
The conferment is the highest civic honour a council can bestow on a prominent man or woman for meritorious service, either of a national or local character.