In yet another attempt to stop the MDC protest which seems to be going on despite police clearance, the ZRP has issued a statement citing security concerns and alleging that MDC has evil plans to turn the protest into a violent charade.
Below reads the press statement issued by the Zimbabwe Republic Police
Press Statement
15 August 2019
ZIMBABWE REPUBLIC POLICE OBSERVATIONS ON INTENDED DEMONSTRATIONS BY MDC ALLIANCE AND ITS PARTNER ORGANISATIONS
The ZimbabweRepublic Police informs the nation that based on the notification given by the MDC “A” to regulating authorities to hold demonstrations in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo and Mutare and surrounding towns on the 16th , 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd August 2019 intelligence and concrete evidence on the ground has revealed that indeed these so called peaceful demonstrations will turn out violent.
It is a fact that the police recovered substantial quantity of granite stones and catapults stashed in sacks and where delivered by two vehicles which had no number plates at Nelson Mandela and Inezz Terrez, Harare during the night on 13 August 2019. The vehicles went on to drop sacks containing unknown items to some street kids at corner Robert Mugabe/ Harare Street , Coppa Cabbana commuter rank and disappeared . The sacks where then taken away by unidentified street kids who suddenly disappeared into darkness.
We are warning people who are driving vehicles without registration numbers or displaying prerequisite plates that the police will pound such vehicles throughout the country’s check points. Some of these vehicles are involved in criminal acts which includes public disturbances. Government vehicles also found with no registration plates will also be impounded.
In another incident, over 120 MDC “A” activists toyi- toyed at a shopping centre in Chitungwiza during the night while chanting party slogans and mobilized residents in St Mary’s and Chigovanyika Shopping centre environs to participate in the demonstrations on the 16th August 2019.
The confrontational acts by the MDC activists coincides with the assault of innocent members of the public after an incident in St Marys involving one of their senior officials at the weekend.
The ZRP is fully monitoring the situation and will thus not be distracted by insinuations that the demonstrations will be peaceful yet on the ground the situation has openly indicated violent mobilization of the so called protesters.
Police reiterates that the security services will not fold hands and allow violence, destruction of property, intimidation, threats and clandestine night acts of violence agitation to take center stage.
The ZRP is disturbed that these purported demonstrations by MDC “A” and partners have shown open violent acts which are physically manifesting on the ground.
Members of the public are implored to remain peaceful and continue to conduct their normal day to day activities.
The ZRP assures all citizens of its readiness to provide security and mantain law and order throughout the country without fear and favor.
Acts of lawlessness, threats or intimidation should be reported swiftly to the ZRP on Complaints Desk Numbers 0242-703631, Harare Operations 0242-748836 or any nearest police station.
(Nyathi.P) Assistant Commissioner
