CHURCH leaders in separate interviews yesterday rebuked Zanu PF for leading a violent campaign against the opposition in the aftermath of the presidential election and called on political leaders to restrain their supporters and encourage peace.
At least six people have been killed, 10 abducted and hundreds tortured in post-election violence, while about 1 500 MDC polling agents and two MPs have fled their homes fearing for their lives.
Archbishop Pius Ncube said it was distressing that leaders of the ruling party are fomenting post-election violence using its youths, war veterans and supporters, as they did in the run-up to the election.
The Catholic archbishop said the ruling party was instigating post-election violence through its songs in the Hondo Yeminda series.
"That song which goes 'Zanu Ndeyeropa' is a violent song which promotes the battering and killing of innocent people," said Ncube, referring to Minister of Youth Development, Gender and Employment Creation Elliot Manyika's song Norah. "Zanu PF rigged the election and won, why don't they just accept that and stop the violence?
"They should work for peace and to restore confidence in people."
Densen Mafinyane, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches secretary-general, said political leaders must speak the language of peace and tolerance if the country is to prosper.
"Different opinions should not make us enemies; there should be non-violence, reconciliation and forgiveness," said Mafinyane.
Bishop Cephas Mukandi, of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, condemned the mayhem which preceded the poll and the current wave of violence which has gripped the country following the election.