THREE people died and scores of others were injured Wednesday when protesting opposition supporters clashed with army and police in the capital Harare of Zimbabwe. Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba confirmed the deaths in the violence which also left property destroyed. She warned leaders of the opposition MDC Alliance against inciting its supporters to engage in violent activities. Scores of opposition supporters took to the streets of Harare to protest against the delay in the announcement of presidential election results as well as alleged rigging of the vote. “The police condemns in the strongest terms acts of vandalism and hooliganism that occurred in Harare. As investigations continue, we urge members of the public to remain calm and peaceful and not to be persuaded or coerced into engaging in acts of violence,” Charamba said. She said police were keen to interview leaders of the MDC Alliance in connection with the deadly protests. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, meanwhile, called on Zimbabweans to remain calm and peaceful as the nation awaits the announcement of all election results. “The incidents of violence and hooliganism which broke out in the afternoon came as a complete surprise,” he said. “We hold the opposition MDC Alliance leadership responsible for this disturbance of national peace which is meant to disrupt the electoral process,” Mnangagwa said. “We hold the party and its leadership responsible for any loss of life, injury or damage to property which arises from political violence which they have aided and abated.” (Xinhua) |