PRESS STATEMENT
Issued By Honourable Senator Lilian Timveos, Alternative Minister and Spokesperson for Home Affairs.
Zimbabwe. – The Movement for Democratic Change is deeply concerned about the brutal army and police operations in Chingwizi camp on Sunday August 3 in which innocent civilians were seriously injured and their donated tents were destroyed.
We are shocked and outraged by the use of excessive violence by the ZRP and ZDF operatives against these victims of the Tokwe Mukosi floods.
It has been reported for a long time that human rights violations have been taking place at this camp since its inception. However, the events of the past few days call for an official, unbridled inquiry into the unregulated activities of law enforcement officials operating in this camp.
In particular, we are horrified by reports that the army burnt down tents donated by NGOs and the United Nations after the Zanu PF government dismally failed to provide such relief.
The flood victims from Tokwe Mukosi basin have every right to be frustrated over their situation and the government’s failure to act. We don’t condone the alleged confrontational attitude by some of the settlers but call for an urgent and swift address of their compensation grievances. Whatever crimes the settlers at Chingwizi are alleged to have committed do not justify such a callous reaction from the authorities.
Those allegations must be investigated in a professional way and the culprits be brought to book. But to punish the whole camp for the lawlessness of a few is wholly illegal and inhuman. We condemn the use of torture, beatings and random tear gassing of camp dwellers.
The MDC demands justice and not retribution or revenge attacks that we have witnessed over the past few days.
Thank you.
Issued by Senator Lilian Timveos, Alternative Minister and Spokesperson for Home Affairs.
Email: lilimikoro@gmail.com
Mobile: 0779 701 082
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