HARARE, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday swore in a multi-national commission chaired by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe which will inquire into the causes of the post-election violence that occurred on Aug. 1.
At least six people died when soldiers fired live ammunition at perceived opposition protestors who had turned violent during demonstrations against purported delays by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to announce the poll results.
There have been reports that those who were shot dead were not part of the protests but were innocent people going about with their daily chores.
Other members of the commission are international law expert Rodney Dixon from the United Kingdom, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku from Nigeria and former chief of defense forces of the Tanzania People's Defense Forces Davis Mwamunyange.
University of Zimbabwe lecturers Charity Manyeruke and Lovemore Madhuku, and lawyer Vimbai Nyemba add up to the seven-member commission.
Mnangagwa said the Commission had been appointed in terms of the Constitution.
"Having considered it necessary that a Commission of Inquiry be established to inquire into the post-election violence that took place on the first day of August, 2018 in Zimbabwe, it has been seen fit and proper to appoint Honorable Kgalema Motlanthe, the former President of the Republic of South Africa, as the chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry," he said.
Among other issues, the commission of inquiry will seek to identify the actors and their leaders, their motive and strategies employed in the protests; investigate the circumstances under which the army became involved in the matter; and consider whether the degree of force used was necessary.
The commission held its inaugural meeting soon after they were sworn in.
