Harare — The Organ on National Healing has launched investigations into the mushrooming of political violence in some parts of the country.

Recently, suspected MDC-T supporters torched at least 10 huts at seven homesteads owned by Zanu-PF supporters in Buhera communal lands. In an interview on Thursday, a Special Consultant in the Ministry National Healing, Gibson Sibanda said: "We denounced the reports of violence for whatever reason as this is uncalled for.

"This is a major setback to national development because our principals have a cordial relationship and are working together on how to move the country forward.

"We have already written to the parties involved in the skirmishes to take responsibility for the behaviour of their supporters. Soon, we are going to meet the leaders of various political parties on how best we can work together to eradicate this vice," he said.

Mr Sibanda urged people to work with law enforcement agencies to avoid violence.

"We are encouraging people to forgive each other if we are to achieve national reconciliation.

"Violence does not solve anything, but it only worsens the situation and that is why we are denouncing it in strongest terms," he said.

The organ is led by Vice President John Nkomo (Zanu PF), while Mr Sibanda (MDC) and Sekai Holland (MDC-T) are its other members. Apart from Buhera, there have also been reports of violence in Bindura and parts of Zaka.

The Organ on National Healing was formed following the formation of the inclusive Government last year. Its mandate is to foster reconciliation after the divisive 2008 harmonised elections.