The UK Government has slammed Zimbabwe for deploying of soldiers to assault opposition members.

Following an engagement in London, the British Minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin has said she has since spoken to MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa and foreign affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo on Friday.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is responsible for the portfolio of defence and security.

She said her government is deeply concerned by the violence and human rights violations. Said Baldwin, “I am deeply concerned by the violence and human rights violations which have taken place in Zimbabwe since last week’s elections.

“Today I spoke to Nelson Chamisa and Foreign Minister Moyo to urge all parties to ensure calm while any challenges to the result of the election are resolved.

“This should have been a time for Zimbabweans to have their say on the future of their country in a peaceful, democratic way. Instead we saw violence breaking out and security forces targeting opposition supporters.

“Zimbabwe’s human and constitutional rights must be protected by the state. The UK stands with the international community in calling for the Zimbabwean security forces to act with restraint.”