By Paul Nyathi| President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday afternoon met with church leaders who incidentally also met the rival MDC-T leader, Nelson Chamisa last week.

Speaking to the church leaders, Mnangagwa implored that he is eager to see a free, fair and violence free election.

“We want to hold a peaceful election this year with no violence or intimidation,” said Mnangagwa.

Speaking on the intra party violence within the opposition MDC-T, Mnangagwa said that he will make plans to meet with Nelson Chamisa and leaders of other parties to discuss the issue of violence.

In his Facebook post, Mnangagwa called on the church to take the lead in promoting peace in the country.

“Today, I met with church leaders to encourage them to play a central role in promoting love, unity and forgiveness in the run up to the elections and beyond,” said Mnangagwa.

“I told them that both church and government must preach the gospel of peace and preach the gospel of reconciliation. My administration has preached, and will always preach, peace and unity,” he added.