Church leader appeals to police and army to lay down arms

By Violet Gonda
14 March 2007

Zimbabwe has witnessed an orgy of violence perpetrated by the security forces and events in recent days have shown the police using brutal force to silence the masses. Pastor Berejena from the Christian Alliance said what is happening in the country is un-Godly and security forces should lay down their arms. Activist Gift Tandera was killed in cold blood while scores of pro-democracy activists were arrested and tortured while in police custody. Their crime: attempting to hold a peaceful prayer meeting.

Despite the international outcry over the recent arrests and shootings police continue with their clampdown on the opposition. Scores of MDC supporters were beaten and arrested in Kwekwe and Gweru and more mourners who were gathered at the funeral of Tandare were brutalised Tuesday. Not content with the murder of Tandare security forces descended on the Glen View home of the deceased and ordered all the mourners to lie down. They then beat them all severely and, without any provocation, fired several random shots, injuring two.

The force has also shown its partisan nature by denying opposition forces their constitutional right to hold meetings on the one hand, but on the other allowing Robert Mugabe’s ZANU PF to hold whatever meetings they want.

Quoting from the book of Ezekiel Pastor Berejena said: “You have gone far enough oh prince of Israel. Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right. Stop dispossessing my people…”

He said the police and army should realise that we are brothers and sisters, come what may and no matter what uniform we put on.

He also appealed to church leaders saying as the voices of the nation chosen by God, they should be doing more and speaking out.

The Pastor, who is also the provincial vice chairperson of the Zimbabwe Pastors Forum, said Zimbabweans should pray about the situation the nation is facing.