Harare (New Ziana)-Police in Harare on Wednesday night arrested 39 suspects at a local hotel for allegedly coordinating the unofficial release of election results, an official has said.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.

“The ZRP confirms that a raid was made last night at Holiday Inn in Harare, they led to a location in Belgravia and the Grange area where several communication gadgets were recovered which include laptops, smartphones, ordinary mobile phones and in the process 39 suspects were arrested by police.

“These were coordinating the alleged release of election results by some civil organisations which are linked to the Zimbabwe Election Support Network, Election Resource Centre and others. Investigations are ongoing,” he said.

Unofficial announcement of election results is a criminal offence According to the Electoral Act, which designates that role solely to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission

Nyathi warned mischief makers, saying the police will deal with them.

“We want to appeal to Zimbabweans to remain calm and also assure Zimbabweans that any form of chaos which is going to be instigated by individuals, political parties and civil society organisations will be dealt with,” he said.

New Ziana