The Zimbabwe Republic Police has rejected the notification to hold a rally by the MDC Women Assembly in Warren Park which was scheduled for this weekend.
MDC Harare Provincial Organising Secretary Juliana Makuvire wrote a letter on February 13, notifying the police about the planned rally.
In response to the letter, one R Kapungu, Superintendent to the Officer Commanding Police – Regulating Authority – Harare South District, wrote:
My office acknowledges the receipt of your letter dated 13 February 2020.
The letter does not meet the requirements of Section 7(2) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11:23.
You are, therefore, invited in terms of Section 8 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11.20 for consultations, negotiations, amendment of notices and conditions with respect to procession public demonstration and public meetings at the Regulatory Authority’s Office on 20 February 2020 at Harare South District Headquarters located at Southerton Police Station at 1500 hours.
Your co-operation in this regard is sincerely appreciated.
Makuvire then wrote an amended letter which the police received on 21 February. However, Kapungu informed the MDC that the letter still did not meet MOPA requirements. Wrote Makuvire:
My office acknowledges the receipt of your amended letter received on 21 February 2020. The letter still does not meet the requirements of Section 7(2) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11:23.
Your co-operation in this regard is sincerely appreciated.