HARARE - Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe want a top Zanu PF official in Headlands held accountable for the death of 12-year-old Christpower Maisiri in a horrific inferno Saturday night.

Addressing mourners at the burial of Christpower, the son of the MDC member Shepherd Maisiri, Tsvangirai said the Zanu PF leader told him on Tuesday after their Cabinet meeting that there must be a thorough investigation to determine whomurdered the child.

“VaMugabe vachiratidzwa picture iyoyo vakatanga kuita shrink, nokuti ukaona picture iyoyo inotoda chivindi, ndakazonovaona after Cabinet zvikanzi nhoroondo yanga ichitaurwa muCabinet yasiyana neyandaudzwa, I think Didymus must answer,” said Tsvangirai.

Tsvangirai said Christpower’s blood marks a defining time to the struggle for change in the country saying never again should violence be tolerated at any level.

He said the government had a mandate to protect the people, more so children.

He urged the police to arrest all the suspects in the case adding that they must answer to the death of the 12-year-old. He said without police action on such issues, they will be perpetuating impunity.

Tsvangirai called on Jomic to ensure that peace is preserved. He urged the MDC supporters to finish the journey for democratising the country saying the death of Christpower and other people will not be in vain.

Christpower died on Saturday night after the grass-thatched house he was sleeping in with his siblings was torched by suspected Zanu PF thugs in a move that has shocked the people of Zimbabwe as the country prepares for the referendum on the new constitution in March and the elections in July.

The arsonists have not been arrested. Christpower was a Grade 4 pupil at Ruura Primary School.

Meanwhile, tomorrow Tsvangirai is expected to launch the “Vote Yes” campaign in Gweru. - Xolisani Ncube