a. Addressing people during a rally which was held at Jerera Growth Point in
Zaka, Masvingo, on the 14th of April 2018, Mr. Nelson Chamisa is quoted
saying that they would “bring into the streets guys from Mbare Musika who
were ready for violence”. [Mbare Musika is a bus terminus and vegetable
market]. He further stated that he was “ready to take power either through
votes or by any other means” 5.
b. Speaking at a campaign rally at Chemhanza grounds in Mabvuku-Tafara on
the 26th of June 2018, Mr. Tendai Biti (the National Vice Chairman of the
MDC Alliance) said that “the Alliance would not accept election results if
ZANU (PF) was the winner” 6. During an Interview with First TV on the 13th
of July 2018 Mr. Biti was quoted saying “If they cheat us they will have to
kill us on the streets.”
There was indeed overwhelming video evidence as well as evidence from
Institutions which presented submissions to the Commission that show that MDC
Alliance leadership made inflammatory statements in its campaign rallies and also
at several press conferences, inciting violence 7.
The Commission also viewed video footage where the ZANU PF leadership were
calling for peaceful elections 8 and unity across political divisions as shown below:
a.
The incumbent President in his campaign rallies preached peace, nonviolence and the need for free and fair elections. On the 19th of May 2018
in Masvingo he said, “We want our election to be free of violence, I plead
See video on www.postelectionviolencecommission.gov.zw
See video onwww.postelectionviolencecommission.gov.zw
7
See also other MDC rallies: 8 July 2018, Rudhaka Stadium, Marondera; 19 July 2018, Nyamhunga Stadium in
Kariba; 19 July 2018 Chikangwe Stadium, Karoi; 22 July 2018, Mkoba Stadium in Gweru, 24 July 2018, Vengere
Stadium in Rusape; 28 July 2018 Robert Mugabe Square Harare; 14 July 2018, Sakubva Stadium in Mutare, 31 July
2018 Press Conferences and 1 August 2018 Tweet by Nelson Chamisa and other videos on
5
6
www.postelectionviolencecommission.gov.zw
8
See also other ZANU PF rallies: 13 July 2018, Lupane; 21 July 2018 in Mutare; 23 June 2018, White City Stadium
in Bulawayo and other videos on www.postelectionviolencecommission.gov.zw
13
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