Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has assured Zimbabweans that it will maintain the peaceful environment prevailing in the country to ensure their safety and security.
Last week Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere warned Zimbabweans against participating in violent protests that war veteran Blessed Geza and his allies are planning for March 31 this year, saying security agencies are already on high alert to thwart such illegal demonstrations.
Starting in January this year, Geza has been rallying the public through some online addresses to engage in nationwide street protests on March 31 to demand the immediate resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who he accuses of intending to extend his term beyond 2028 when his second and final one expires.
President Mnangagwa has on more than three occasions stated unambiguously that he will go home and rest when his term expires in 2028.
Some members in his ruling Zanu PF party are however lobbying President Mnangagwa to reconsider his position and serve up to 2030, so that he can see through his vision for the country to become an upper middle income society by that year, which he has ruled out.
In a statement on Thursday, the ZRP acknowledged the peaceful environment currently obtaining in the country and urged the public to continue undertaking their social and economic activities without any disturbances.
“In the same vein, the police have deployed members to maintain law and order in both urban and rural settings in all parts of the country. The law will definitely take its course against individuals and groups whoseek to undermine peace and security in the country, including those using social media to cause alarm and despondency among Zimbabweans,” the ZRP said.
“The public should therefore cooperate with the deployed police officers and report anyone inciting violence and interference with the smooth traffic flow in the country,” it added, urging the public to report criminal acts and all forms of public disturbance to the police.
Meanwhile, some police districts around Harare have issued prohibition orders against various weapons for the next three months. Harare province has nine police districts with a total of thirty police stations.
The orders are in terms of Section 4 (1) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Amendment Act of 2019 and the prescribed weapons include catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, knives, swords or daggers and any traditional weapons likely to cause public disorder or a breach of peace.
They come at a time when the law enforcement agency has noted a sharp increase in violent crimes that include murders, robberies and assaults in which some of these weapons have been used.
The prohibition orders empower all police officers to seize such weapons without warrant and place them in safe custody, and any person who fails to comply will be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level five or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or both the fine and imprisonment.
New Ziana
