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Masvingo Correspondent
Faith for the Nation Campaign national chairperson Reverend Andrew Wutaunashe has castigated the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and other civic organisations for causing deaths and destruction of property during the recent violent demonstrations.

Launching the Zimbabwe Unity and Sanctions Relief Initiative (ZUSRI) on Thursday, Rev Wutaunashe said responsible non-governmental organisations build the nation as opposed to destroying it.

“What ZCTU did by calling for a shutdown which turned into violence was bad as we saw the destruction of property and killing of a policeman,” said Rev Wutaunashe.

He urged politicians and civic organisations to preach peace.

“Politicians are not supposed to use people as tools for their political ends. As the church we will speak to such politicians that we want peace and unity among our people,” said Rev Wutaunashe.

He also spoke against the illegal Western sanctions.

“As a country we should speak with one voice against illegal sanctions by the United States of America and its allies. Sanctions are a burden or heavy yoke on our people and they must go. We are going to mobilise the nation for people to sign a petition in support of the removal of these damaging sanctions,” he said.

Rev Wutaunashe said sanctions were causing a lot of suffering to ordinary Zimbabweans.

“Do not be deceived by those who say President Mnangagwa is behind the suffering of the people. The increase in price of fuel is caused by the scarcity of foreign currency in the country and not mismanagement.

“All the suffering that we are subjected to is caused by these sanctions. There is no country without corruption. It is everywhere and we cannot say it is the main cause of our suffering. Our problems are caused by sanctions and we want them removed as the Church,” he said.

“We should speak to everyone, especially political parties, to unite against sanctions. The Church should have a relevant voice against these sanctions. We should not fear anyone just as John the Baptist did when he talked directly to the rulers even to the military.”

Rev Wataunashe said sanctions were a violation of human rights as they denied Zimbabweans the right to feed their families, work and create wealth.