Harare – Zimbabwe finds itself on edge as calls for nationwide protests intensify amidst a worsening economic and political climate.
The developments come as Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba clarified that his office does not have the mandate to permit or ban peaceful demonstrations.
In his letter to concerned citizens of Zimbabwe yesterday, Mutamba said the notification to hold a peaceful protest today was wrongly directed to his office.
“Having perused the said correspondence and particularly noting that the author(s) intended to ‘notify the Joint Operations Command (JOC)’ of an intended ‘peaceful demonstration countrywide’, I am certain that it has been misdirected to my office,” Mutamba said.
JOC is a high-level body responsible for co-ordinating State security, comprising senior officials from the Zimbabwe National Army, the Air Force of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service and the Central Intelligence Organisation.
“The legislature, in its wisdom, through the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Mopa) [Chapter 11:23], excludes my office from regulating public gatherings and demonstrations. In fact, Mopa clearly outlines how these rights must be exercised,” Mutamba added.
Mopa requires organisers of public gatherings, including demonstrations and processions, to notify the police in advance.
The police are empowered to impose conditions on these gatherings to prevent potential public disorder.
In response to the growing unrest, police have issued a stern warning against any illegal demonstrations. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated that law enforcement will not tolerate any breach of the peace.
“We want to remind the public that any form of protest must be conducted within the confines of the law,” Nyathi told NewsDay.
“We will not tolerate any acts of violence, destruction of property or disruption of peace. Those who incite violence or participate in illegal activities will face the full wrath of the law. We urge citizens to remain peaceful and not to be misled by individuals.”
Meanwhile, government officials have dismissed Geza’s calls as the “delusional rumblings” of a disgruntled former Zanu-PF member. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, urged the nation to ignore Geza’s pronouncements.
In a statement, Dr Muswere said no amount of wanton ranting would cause despondency in the country.
“Zimbabweans are encouraged to continue ignoring Geza’s delusional rumblings. His polemic and reactionary grandstanding is a clear misdirection of ambition,” said Muswere.
“Geza is a divisionalist and factionalist hell-bent on sowing seeds of division, but all his efforts will not bear fruit. He is a fugitive from justice and it will not be long before his inflammatory statements are dealt with.
Dr Muswere dismissed him as a self-serving individual, falsely claiming to speak on behalf of the war veterans, “and his rants are nothing but hallucinations.”
He said Geza has no moral or legal authority to speak on behalf of anyone, or make corruption allegations, as the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa has zero tolerance to corruption.
“Geza and his partners in crime cannot rewrite Zimbabwe’s history,” he said.
This publication yesterday established that one of the conveners of the protest leader of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association Andreas Mathibela has since been placed on a watch-list.
Mathibela confirmed that he was aware that he had been placed on the watch-list.
“Indeed, this is what we have gathered and it is obviously of concern to me and my family in case some characters attempt to kidnap me,” he said.
“I am making arrangements to secure the safety of my family.”
A leaked letter to Plumtree regional immigration officer from the President’s Department officer-in-charge Plumtree read: “Ref: Request for watch-list for persons of security interest. The above matter refers; This office kindly requests that you watch list the following person of security interest who is a Zimbabwean national: Ethan Mathibela.
“Should same present themselves at Plumtree, Maitengwe or Mphoengs border posts, may your office deny him exit and inform the President Department.
“Your usual co-operation is greatly appreciated.”
Amid the political tensions, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) yesterday called for a nationwide teachers’ strike on March 28.
In a statement, the union expressed frustration over government’s failure to review civil servants’ salaries despite the rising cost of living.
Artuz is demanding a minimum salary of US$1 260 for teachers.
The rural teachers criticised the government for undermining genuine collective bargaining by negotiating through the National Joint Negotiating Council.
“Artuz urges all teachers to bypass these compromised unions and confront the employer directly through mass action,” their statement read.
“The March 28 strike is an opportunity for teachers to unite and demand fair wages without interference.”
While political temperatures rise amid calls for nationwide protests, Mnangagwa will meet youths from across the country in Harare today for the launch of a presidential youth initiative.
Observers said Mnangagwa’s loyalists may respond to calls for him to step down.
“The gathering is a useful platform to push back on Geza and I anticipate that speakers will reference his remarks and describe the war veteran as all kinds of a sell-out and other image-tarnishing expletives,” political analyst McDonald Lewanika said.
“I would be surprised if the President himself takes up his own cause to defend himself, it is likely that he will allow others to do the heavy lifting while he focuses his attention on his efforts with the fund as part of his legitimation process and demonstrating that his development training will not stop simply because the figs are bucking.”
Another analyst Rejoice Ngwenya weighed in with similar sentiments.
“The presidential youth launch will be quite interesting to watch, but quite frankly, Mnangagwa is not going to address things addressed by Geza,” Ngwenya said.
“He will not legitimise that. He will even not mention him.”
Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa was not available to comment.
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