Zimpapers Logo

Munyaradzi Musiiwa  Midlands Correspondent
The newly-appointed Midlands Provincial Peace Committee has dismissed sentiments by MDC-Alliance Midlands provincial spokesperson Mr Takavafira Zhou that the committee is an extension of the ruling Zanu-PF.

Ironically, the commission, which was appointed two weeks back, is led by Msasa Project director Commissioner Netty Musanhu.

In an interview, the provincial committee vice chairperson Mr Cornelius Mpereri said the committee should not be deterred or destructed by retrogressive statements that it was an extension of the revolutionary party.

Commissioner Musanhu is deputised by ZRP spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende.

Mr Mpereri said the composition of the 40-member committee, of which MDC-Alliance is part of, represented all stakeholders.

The provincial peace committee comprises people drawn from different political parties, Government officials, traditional leaders, churches, arts and cultural organisations, civil society, business, academia, persons with disabilities, women and youth, among others. “As the newly elected provincial peace committee, we were disturbed by the utterances of Mr Takavafira Zhou, who was quoted in some sections of the media trying to politicise the committee,” said Cde Mpereri.

“All political parties are represented in the committee which is comprised of 40 members.

“The committee is apolitical, contrary to Mr Zhou’s allegations where he tried to associate it with a certain political party.”

Mr Mpereri said the committee intended to hit the ground running and would prioritise rampant cases of violence in mining, some of which result in deaths.

“We have issues of machetes,” he said.

“Most artisanal miners carry machetes with them and usually engage in running battles with rivals.

“In most cases, innocent people are caught up in these running battles. This is sad and this is one of our priority areas.”