Story by John Nhandara
GOVERNMENT has applauded Zimbabweans for their peaceful conduct during the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in the country on the 17th of this month.
In a media briefing in Harare this Tuesday, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe noted that the SADC summit was held in a peaceful environment, despite sustained attempts by some malcontents to cause chaos through illegal protests.
“On behalf of the security cluster, allow me to extend profound gratitude to all Zimbabweans for conducting themselves peacefully and orderly during the period preceding the hosting of the Summit and on the actual hosting days. This is despite sustained efforts to cause chaos through illegal and unjustifiable protests and riots.
“The security sector is indeed proud to be associated with a citizenry that chooses peace ahead of conflict, negotiation where confrontation is mobilised for, unity of purpose when others agitate for selfish interest and pursuit of nationalistic values where foreign instigators of international strife dangle the divisive carrot,” he said.
Minister Kazembe said the incident-free SADC summit has earned the country enormous economic, political and social dividends.
He added, “We remain grateful for the warm and friendly welcome you extended to the visiting delegates, the love you shared with them. Zimbabweans are known for their hospitality and peacefulness. The Security Sector assures all visitors to Zimbabwe of an ever-peaceful and secure environment whenever they decide to visit the country.
“Fellow citizens, as we applaud the patriotic exploits of the generality of Zimbabweans. The security sector equally regrets the reckless abandon with which a few misguided local elements carried themselves. They underestimated our resolve to apply the law regardless of whether there are international events or not. We will not allow criminality and subversive inclinations of a few individuals to disrupt the normal life pursuits of the majority.”
Meanwhile, Minister Kazembe revealed traffic enforcement will be tightened to curb road carnage, while also sending a stern warning to land barons and those illegally settled on state land.
