The Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe (RDZ) condemns in the strongest possible terms the actions of Zanu pf youths who destroyed property worth thousands of dollars belonging to opposition political party members.

We deeply regret that the violence unleashed by this group undermined the strides we are making as a country of having a political tolerant and peaceful Zimbabwe.

It’s a shame that in a country riddled with high unemployment some youths see it fit to destroy people’s little businesses all because of different political affiliation.

During the weekend some roudy Zanu pf youths used paramilitary tactics to engage and in violent, destructive behaviour and invaded shops belonging to opposition political members in Mbare and destroyed property worth thousands of dollars.

What is of major concern however is that up-to now the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) are yet to apprehend the already known suspects and it leaves huge questions of who are the police really serving? Are they protecting the public or they are there to protect Zanu pf interests? We demand the Zimbabwe Republic Police to prioritise the safety and well being of every Zimbabwean despite their political beliefs and affiliations.

ZRP should bring the perpetrators of violence to book and face the full wrath of the law. These sporadic violent attacks on our party members are a clear sign that zanu pf belongs in medieval times and such acts do not belong in a democratic country.

The violence last weekend was an attack on the fundamental values of the country, which stands for and helps to maintain and nurture freedom of association and speech which are the bedrock of a genuinely democratic nation.

We are now, and will remain in the future completely committed to tolerance, free speech as essential to our values and democratic rights.