EU condemns the resurgence of politically motivated violence

The European Union (EU) has condemned the resurgence of politically-motivated violence in some parts of the country following the recent clashes in Mudzi.

In a statement yesterday, the EU said: "The European Union Delegation deplores that politically-motivated violence flared once again in Zimbabwe soon after the visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and after repeated appeals from the Inclusive Government Principals to put an end to such acts."

MDC-T activist Cephas Magura (67) was killed and seven other party supporters were severely assaulted by suspected Zanu-PF supporters as they held a police-sanctioned rally at Chimukoko business centre on May 26.

"Reports indicate that the rally was properly authorised but was disrupted violently by a parallel demonstration by Zanu-PF militants,without the ZRP being able or willing to stop them. It is worrying to note reports indicating that Zanu-PF local politicians and the MP for the area were present at the events," the EU said.

The EU urged the police authorities and the Attorney General's Office "to bring the alleged perpetrators and their instigators to justice, in order to give a clear and unequivocal message that political violence is totally unacceptable in Zimbabwe."

The Mudzi violence came shortly after the departure of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who was in the country last month to assess the human rights situation.

In the run-up to the 2008 presidential election runoff, an estimated 300 mainly MDC-T supporters were maimed or killed, forcing party leader Morgan Tsvangirai to withdraw from the race.

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