By Takudzwa Changadeya
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has blocked another Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) campaign rally which was slated for Sunday in Bindura.
The police disapproved the rally, saying the party’s selected venue doesn’t have access to roads and water, therefore exposing supporters to communicable diseases and also exposing participants to high-risk security threats.
In a letter seen by BustopTV, ZRP also revealed that they were not given sufficient notice “as provided for in terms of the MOPA Act”, and advised the party to scout for another suitable venue for the rally.
“This office has reservations in respect of the suitability of the venue taking into account all relevant security factors necessary.The venue falls within an undeveloped piece of land, which is bushy without serviceable roads, water and sewer facilities.
“It provides a high-risk security threat to the participants. There is also a high risk of threat to the spread of any communicable diseases.
“In the event of any public disorder, the police and other emergency services would have challenges accessing the venue due to the unavailability of an official road network.
“As a result, our mandate to protect life and property and to maintain law and order will be compromised. Lastly, your notification did not give sufficient notice to the regulatory authority as provided in terms of the MOPA Act.
“May you consider securing another suitable venue and provide sufficient notification as required by the provisions of the MOPA Act,” reads the letter.
The opposition was also barred from holding a rally in Chiredzi, Tshovani on Wednesday as police cited lack of resources which had been put towards an official opening of Rusununguko Clinic in Chiredzi by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Masvingo Province.
In a letter, police revealed that the CCC intended venue had already been booked by the ruling Zanu PF party.
“Your notification has been noted.
“Unfortunately there will be a State occasion on 05/07/23 for the official opening of Rusununguko Clinic in Chiredzi by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Masvingo Province where all the resources are focused.
“Your notification has not been approved in terms of Section 8 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11:23,” read the letter.
The party’s spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said the party had already won the people’s hearts hence they were not shaken by the police.
“They think they can ban our rallies yet we have penetrated all rural areas over a year ago. They think they can ban us from a stadium yet we live in the hearts of the masses.
“They think we will back down yet their repression has strengthened our resolve to win Zimbabwe for change,” she said.
This is not the first time that CCC’s rallies have been disrupted by police, the security force has blocked CCC’s several rallies since last year’s campaign period ahead of March by-elections, while others turned violent following infiltration by suspected Zanu PF supporters.
