President Emmerson says the violence that followed the announcement of a series of economic measures to stabilise the nation's fuel supply last week is both regrettable and tragic, adding that such acts will not rebuild the nation or reform the economy.
In a statement released this morning, President Emmerson said the upward review of fuel prices "was the right thing to do".
"I was aware that these measures may not be popular, and this was not a decision we took lightly. But it was the right thing to do," he said.
The President said the violence and cynical destruction that followed is not the Zimbabwean way as "brother was turned against brother".
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| 'Heads Will Roll,' says President Emmerson |
He reiterated that every Zimbabwean has the right to express themselves freely - to speak out, to criticise and to protest, but noted that last week's disturbances were far from a peaceful protest.
"Violence will not reform our economy. Violence will not rebuild our nation. Likewise, violence or misconduct on behalf of our security forces is unacceptable, intolerable and a betrayal of the new Zimbabwe," he said.
President Emmerson said investigations will be conducted and those found guilty will be dealt with accordingly, adding that if need be heads will roll.
"Chaos and insubordination will not be tolerated. Misconduct will be investigated and anyone found guilty will face the full weight of the law. Heads will roll," said President Emmerson.
The President implored all Zimbabweans to be peaceful, and urged the nation to embark on a process of national dialogue.
He invited all heads of political parties, religious and civil leaders, to set aside their differences and unite.
"Let us embark on a process of national dialogue. I invite the heads of all our nation's political parties, as well as religious and civil leaders, to set aside our differences and come together to show our nation that what unites us is stronger than what could ever divide us," he said.
President Emmerson implored all to put the economy first and "the people of Zimbabwe first".
He said the country is forging ahead, with the process of restructuring, rebuilding and reforming the economy is underway.
President Emmerson highlighted that the process of change is not linear and "progress is never painless".
Source - Zbc
