Tinotenda Hove – Opposition movement Freedom Fighters for Change (FFC) has renewed calls for justice over the August 1, 2018 shootings, with party president Michael Makaza accusing the government and security institutions of failing to protect citizens and evading accountability.
Speaking on Wednesday, Makaza said the events of August 2018, in which six civilians were killed during post-election protests in Harare, remain a painful reminder of what he described as “the rot in our system.”
“Three years ago, our nation was shaken to its core. The brutal shootings of August 1, 2018, left six innocent lives lost, and many more scarred,” Makaza said. “The failure of the city council, ZRP, and government to protect its citizens is a stark reminder of the rot in our system.”
Makaza said the government’s response since the shootings had been inadequate, arguing that a lack of meaningful action amounted to deliberate neglect. “We are here today to say enough is enough. The government’s inaction is a death knell for our nation,” he said.
He accused the ruling ZANU PF party of clinging to power at the expense of citizens’ lives. “ZANU PF’s chokehold on power is killing us, literally. If we don’t wake up, we will all perish,” Makaza declared.
The FFC leader said Zimbabweans were no longer convinced by official statements and apologies. “The people of Zimbabwe are not fooled by empty promises and half-hearted apologies. We demand justice. We demand accountability. We demand change,” he said.
Makaza pledged that his movement would continue pushing for truth and accountability over the 2018 killings. “The FFC will not rest until the truth is revealed, and those responsible are held accountable. We will fight for justice, for reparations, and for guarantees that our lives matter,” he said.
Addressing authorities directly, Makaza urged an end to what he called political manipulation of violence. “To the government, we say: stop playing politics with our lives. Stop the brutality. Stop the oppression,” he said.
He also called on citizens to unite and assert their rights. “To the people of Zimbabwe, we say: rise up. Stand together, demand change, and fight for your rights. Our voices are louder than bullets,” Makaza said.

The FFC marked the commemoration under the slogans
#JusticeForAugust1 and #ZimbabweDeservesBetter, with Makaza concluding: “Let us march forward, united and determined to build a Zimbabwe where lives are valued, and justice is served.”

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574865413237 🇿🇼