At least five people have been killed following the eruption of violence in Zimbabwe over election results.
A man was shot in the stomach by gun wielding soldiers who have been deployed to the streets, AFP reports.
AFP’s photographer said the man died at the scene as troops continue a crackdown on opposition supporters.
Zimbabwean human rights activist Patson Dzamara also says he has learnt of five deaths. There are no independent confirmation of death toll yet.
Dzamara tweeted that “It was naive for anyone…us…to expect that after a military coup, the military government would allow a free and fair election to happen in Zimbabwe. This election is a sham.”
Clashes broke out on Wednesday between security forces and opposition supporters as they dispute Monday’s election results.
Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party has won a two-thirds majority in parliament but no presidential results have been announced so far.
I am told that so far 5 people have been killed by the army in Harare CBD.
So sad. pic.twitter.com/W6CIRxx6Zw— Patson Dzamara (@PatsonDzamara) August 1, 2018
The delay according to the opposition is deliberate attempt to rig the polls in favour of the ruling party’s candidate President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Nelson Chamisa tweeted earlier that he was “humbled by the support you have given to me as a Presidential Candidate. We have won the popular vote. You voted for total Change in this past election!We have won this one together. No amount of results manipulation will alter your WILL.”
An army chopper now hovering above Harare city centre #InZimHarare @eNCA#ZimElections2018 pic.twitter.com/jJSsRkWcc1
— Aldrin Sampear (@AldrinSampear) August 1, 2018
#BREAKING: Civilians were forced to take cover after multiple shots were heard as supporters of Zimbabwe’s main opposition party marched through Harare to protest the country’s election result.
MORE: https://t.co/ykweMevBOK #pmlive pic.twitter.com/DWwF79Y4HU
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) August 1, 2018
There are reports of police officers beating up protesters while police also fired teargas at opposition supporters who have gathered in Harare.
Masked soldiers beating people, several rounds of what sounds like gunfire, think I smell its residue.
— Joseph Cotterill (@jsphctrl) August 1, 2018
President Mnangagwa has called for peace amidst the violence tweeting that “Now is the time for responsibility and above all peace”.
At this crucial time, I call on everyone to desist from provocative declarations and statements. We must all demonstrate patience and maturity, and act in a way that puts our people and their safety first. Now is the time for responsibility and above all, peace
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 1, 2018
There have been reactions to the ongoing violence in Zimbabwe. A senior member of South Africa’s governing African National Congress, Zizi Kodwa is blaming Chamisa for the crisis.
Nelson Chamisa of MDC must be held accountable for inflammatory and reckless statements which has now led to eruption of violent protests in Harare. What started as peaceful elections in Zimbabwe history. He irresponsible declared himself a “winner”. #ZimDecides2018
— Zizi Kodwa (@zizikodwa) August 1, 2018
South Africa’s Julius Malema of the opposition EFF is also calling for calm and restrain from the government troops.
We call on the Zimbabwean government to act with restrain, we don’t need blood on the floor. Zimbabweans have spoken and their wish must be respected by all.
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) August 1, 2018
Threat of legal challenge
The MDC and other civil society groups have signaled the intention to prepare a legal challenge to force the results into the open.
Voting was relatively calm across Zimbabwe but its the reaction from citizens when results begin to filter in that now matters.
The elections have been held for the first time without the involvement of the former President, Robert Mugabe who exited power after a military takeover.
Source: Africafeeds.com
