Police have barred CCC from holding cluster rallies at Kandeya Village business center and Dotito in Mt Darwin, which were scheduled for 18 August.
In a statement, CCC said they were advised by the Police that the rallies cannot go ahead because the venues have already been booked. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Our cluster rallies, which were scheduled to take place on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Kandeya Village business center and Dotito in Mt Darwin, have been denied by the [Zimbabwe Republic Police].
These denials come under controversial reasons, as they claim that the venues are already occupied on the same date.
It is evident that this is a systematic approach employed by the regime in Harare to prevent the Citizens movement and its President, Nelson Chamisa, from engaging with the people.
Sadly, these are just some of over 105 rallies and meetings that have been banned on false pretenses and yet we are in the election season.
ZANU PF is running scared and can never win a free and fair election in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
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Police Block CCC Rally Scheduled For Mt Darwin

The Government has said from January to July 2023, CCC had 345 of its political gatherings approved while ZANU PF has 1 351 notifications also approved.
Addressing diplomatic missions accredited to Zimbabwe and observer missions for the harmonised elections preparedness, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Major General (Rtd) Dr Gerald Gwinji, claimed that from 1 January 2023 up to 10 July, political parties filed close to 2 000 notifications. He said:
<blockquote>
Since January 2023, operational districts across the country are maintaining registers relating to all notifications and intentions to hold public meetings made by political parties.
During this period, different political parties have notified the police of their gatherings and some of them met the legal requirement while some could not.
The police have received a total of 1 437 notifications from ZANU PF of which 1351 were compliant, whilst 86 were not compliant as a result they could not proceed.
The CCC filed 410 notifications, 345 of these were compliant whilst the remaining 65 were not.
The MDC had 30 notifications out of which 23 were compliant; other political parties put together a total of 89 notifications and 80 were found to be compliant.
</blockquote>
However, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said to date, the party’s 101 rallies have been banned or disrupted by the Police or ZANU PF. <a href="https://twitter.com/advocatemahere/status/1683805333867712512?s=20">She added</a>:
<blockquote>
Which ZANU PF rally has ever been banned? Is there any letter from [the Police] that shows that they wanted to conduct a rally and were banned from doing so?
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Says Only 65 CCC Rallies Were Banned By Police, Mahere Says 101 Have Been Barred

CCC leader Nelson Chamisa said his party has covered all loopholes used by ZANU PF to rig elections in the past.
Addressing thousands of CCC supporters at a campaign rally at Dulibadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge on Sunday, Chamisa said the opposition party should win the 23 August 2023 elections by a huge margin. He said:
<blockquote>
When ED grabbed power from Mugabe, he was given two years to finish Mugabe’s term but nothing worked. I warned my brother (Mnangagwa) about the repercussions of grabbing power.
I told him what you have done, you have committed a crime in heaven and on earth. He grabbed another five years from me in 2018.
This time we know he is thinking of employing dirty tactics but all corners are covered because we know what he uses to steal elections.
We want to see when election results are being announced, the gap must be huge.
</blockquote>
Chamisa castigated the ZANU PF-led government for bragging about implementing development projects that are not benefiting people. He said:
<blockquote>
If they build a road, they come back to you and boast, yet it’s their duty. They even inflate the (cost). Look at Zimborders which has plunged people into suffering.
</blockquote>
People living in Beitbridge depend on cross-border trade but they have been impoverished by high charges when using the upgraded border so who does it help?
<blockquote>
So what development is that? My government will exempt locals or seek reversal of the deals which make people suffer.
</blockquote>
The upgrading of the Beitbridge border cost a staggering US$300 million and the company that manages the facility levies charges of US$27, US$80 and US$200 for private cars, buses and heavy trucks, respectively.
This has resulted in regional travellers shunning Beitbridge for other routes while locals no longer drive to South Africa.
Chamisa also said most people in the country including civil servants, and the security sector want a new government.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

We Won't Allow ZANU PF Rig 2023 Elections - Chamisa

Masvingo High Court Judge Justice Sunsley Zisengwe has ordered the release of eight Chiredzi residents including lawyer Farai Chauke.
They spent nearly two weeks in prison after they were denied bail for allegedly violating provisions of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) Act.
The eight are: Chauke (42) of Chauke and Associates Legal Practitioners was with Mollen Shonhai (27), Gladmore Gungubu (18), Kudzai Madyira (27), Charles Mungate (50), Lloyd Mushari (26), Agrippa Dhambureni (29) and Simon Hlomani (56).
They were arrested on 05 July 2023 for allegedly disobeying police instructions to disperse from Tshovani Stadium, the venue for a CCC that had not been approved by the police.
According to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), released the suspects on Monday and ordered them to return for trial on 21 July 2023. <a href="https://twitter.com/ZLHRLawyers/status/1680902207955419138?s=20">Said ZLHR</a>:
<blockquote>
In Masvingo, High Court Judge Justice Zisengwe has ordered the release from prison on bail of 8 Chiredzi residents including lawyer, Farai Chauke, on charges of contravening the MOPO Act. They all return to court on 21 July for trial.
</blockquote>
Following the arrest of the nine by the police, <a href="https://twitter.com/ZLHRLawyers/status/1678712138746167298?s=20">ZLHR tweeted on 11 July</a>:
<blockquote>
In Chiredzi, a lawyer &amp; 8 residents are in prison as they were denied bail last week after they were arrested &amp; charged with contravening provisions of the repressive Maintenance of Peace &amp; Order (MOPO) Act, which is being abused to ban opposition political parties’ pre-election campaign activities.
Farai Chauke, a 42-year-old lawyer, of Chauke &amp; Associates Legal Practitioners, was arrested on Wednesday 5 July 2023 together with 7 Chiredzi residents namely Mollen Shonhai aged 27 years, Gladmore Gungubu aged 18 years, Kudzai Madyira aged 27 years, Charles Mungate aged 50 years, Lloyd Mushari aged 26 years, Agrippa Dhambureni aged 29 years &amp; Simon Hlomani aged 56 years after some @PoliceZimbabwe officers threw teargas canisters at some opposition @CCCZimbabwe political party supporters, who were reportedly gathered outside Tshovani Stadium in Chiredzi in Masvingo province.
Chauke, Shonhai, Gungubu, Madyira, Mungate, Mushari, Dhambureni &amp; Hlomani were charged with failure to comply with conditions under which a meeting is authorised as defined in section 8(ii) of the MOPO Act.
Prosecutors alleged that the 8 Chiredzi residents refused to comply with an order in which they were told to disperse from Tshovani Stadium after law enforcement agents prohibited @CCCZimbabwe from holding a campaign rally that had been scheduled for Wednesday 5 July 2023.
Prosecutors claimed that Chauke, Shonhai, Gungubu, Madyira, Mungate, Mushari, Dhambureni &amp; Hlomani, who were represented by Ross Chavi of @ZLHRLawyers, started singing some political songs &amp; threw stones towards ZRP officers after being told to disperse.
On Friday, Chiredzi Magistrate Vimbai Mutukwa denied bail to the eight residents after ruling that Zimbabwe was now in pre-election season and that there would be a propensity among them to commit similar offences.
Magistrate Mutukwa then remanded Chauke, Shonhai, Gungubu, Madyira, Mungate, Mushari, Dhambureni and Hlomani to 14 July, where their trial is scheduled to commence.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Lawyer, Eight Chiredzi Residents Granted Bail By Masvingo High Court

Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), is set to hold its campaign launch rally at Mkoba Stadium in Gweru on Sunday.
This comes amid the baning of CCC rallies by the police, a development that recently prompted Police bosses to write an internal memo to district police commanders to stop the repression as it discredited the electoral process. CCC said:
<blockquote>
It’s all systems GO for our national campaign mega-launch in Gweru on Sunday, 16 July 2023 at 10 am.
It’s going to be the biggest rally seen in Southern Africa.
All roads lead to Midlands Province this weekend as we paint the nation yellow!
</blockquote>
The launch was initially scheduled for Bindura last Sunday but it was blocked by the Officer Commanding Bindura Police District.
Police said the venue selected by the opposition party has no access roads and water, exposing supporters to communicable diseases.
ZRP also said they were not given sufficient notice “as provided for in terms of the MOPA Act”, and advised CCC to find another venue and date for the event.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chamisa To Hold "Mega Rally" In Gweru

Former Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Peter Mutasa says the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) should resort to”guerrilla tactics” amid a systematic ban on opposition rallies by the Police.
CCC leader Nelson Chamisa recently said Police have banned more than 60 of the party’s rallies across the country.
Opposition activists have also been brutally attacked by suspected ZANU PF supporters during some of their campaign activities.
<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/mutasa-urges-ccc-to-employ-guerilla-tactics-amid-state-crackdown/">ZimLive</a> quoted Mutasa as saying CCC should adopt underground campaign methods to be able to canvass for votes ahead of the general elections set to be held later this year. Mutasa said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe is a military dictatorship. There is no doubt that the constitution has been suspended and constitutional rights taken away.
Citizens can no longer exercise freedom of expression, association or assembly.
Opposition gatherings are banned and their leaders are detained without trial.
Journalists are arrested for exposing corruption and trade unionists are brutalized for demanding better working conditions.
Under such circumstances, the opposition must not be predictable.
It must use guerrilla tactics and underground political activities to fully exercise their constitutional rights that are being unlawfully limited by state agencies.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former ZCTU President Urges CCC To Employ "Guerilla Tactics" Amid Systematic Rallies Ban

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has blocked the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) from holding rallies in Murewa and Umzingwane on Saturday, 25 February 2023.
CCC notified the Police of its plans to hold a cluster one-year anniversary celebration rally at Murewa council grounds on 25 February.
In a letter dated 22 February and addressed to CCC’s Murewa district elections officer, in response to the notification, Chief Superintendent M. Masvivi, said the venue had already been booked by another political party. Wrote Masvivi:
<blockquote>
I acknowledge receipt of your notification dated 17/02/23 submitted through Murewa Police Station in terms of Section 7(1)(b) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, Chapter 11:23 notifying of the above-stated public gathering.
Thank you for writing to us but be informed that the gathering can not go ahead as the venue has already been booked by another political party.
In the same vein, the booked venue is the property of Murewa Rural District Council and no consent was sought from them.
As such, allowing you to go ahead may result in clashes.
</blockquote>
The Nelson Chamisa-led party also intended to hold a rally at Mabaweni Soccer Grounds in Esigodini, Umzingwane District, and dully notified the police.
Responding to the notification, the Officer Commanding Police in Umzingwane District, Chief Superintendent B. Ndlovu advised CCC’s Bheki Sibanda that the rally cannot go ahead as it coincides with a national event. Wrote Chief Superintendent Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
It is your submission that you intend to hold a political rally at Mawabeni Soccer grounds on the 25th of February 2023 from 1000 hours to 1600 hours.
Your meeting coincides with a National event at the same venue. May you reschedule your meeting.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">More: Pindula News</a>

Police Block CCC Rallies In Murewa, Umzingwane

The Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) has accused ZANU PF of abusing state institutions and resorting to lawfare after the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) blocked several opposition rallies across the country that were slated for this month.
CCC had sought to have rallies in Marondera, Chikomba, Chendambuya, rural Mutare, Beitbridge, Gutu and Uzumba but all were blocked by the police.
In prohibiting the rallies, police said CCC’s notifications were NOT fully compliant with the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), among other reasons.
CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere told <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/https-www-newzimbabwe-com-ccc-cry-foul-as-police-ban-four-of-their-rallies-in-a-month-venue-reserved-for-boozers-football-says-mutare-police-in-one-bizarre-response/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> that the banning of its rallies shows that ZANU PF is panicking. She said:
<blockquote>
We condemn ZANU PF’s continued abuse of state institutions in banning our rallies. It confirms beyond any doubt that their backs are against the wall as all available data points to a CCC victory in the upcoming elections.
ZANU PF can never win a free and fair election in Zimbabwe hence they resort to their usual dirty tricks of political violence, weaponising the law against opponents, banning our gatherings, criminalising dissent and enacting draconian laws to try and destroy the opposition. It will not work.
</blockquote>
Mahere said the banning of CCC rallies by the police will not stop them from campaigning as they have already devised “sophisticated ways of gathering, mobilising and organising”. Said Mahere:
<blockquote>
President Nelson Chamisa has already put the nation on notice that we have more sophisticated ways of gathering, mobilising and organising over which they have no control.
We are penetrating villages, towns and cities in all provinces; and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure a citizens’ victory for change this year.
Zimbabweans want and deserve a new government led by Chamisa and ethical leaders who can drive a transformation and modernisation agenda.
We are ready to build a New Great Zimbabwe. No amount of tantrums, toxic politics or intimidation by ZANU PF will stop us.
</blockquote>

CCC Accuses ZANU PF Of Resorting To Lawfare After Several Rallies Are Blocked

Police in Murewa District have blocked the Nelson Chamisa-led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) from holding a rally at Nhakiwa Business Centre in Uzumba this Sunday.
Under the provisions of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, political parties and civic groups are obliged to notify the police before holding rallies, meetings, marches et cetera.
Chief Superintendent M. Masvivi of Murewa District Police on 09 February advised CCC’s coordinator in Uzumba Constituency that their planned rally cannot go ahead saying their notification does not fully comply with the law. Wrote Chief Superintendent Masvivi:
<blockquote>
<h2>NOTIFICATION TO HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING AT NHAKIWA BUSINESS CENTRE, UZUMBA ON 12/02/23 FROM 1000 HOURS TO 1400 HOURS.</h2>
1. I acknowledge receipt of your notification dated 07/02/23 submitted through Mutawatawa Police Station in terms of Section 7(1)(b) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, Chapter 11:23 notifying of the above-stated public gathering.
2. Thank you for writing to us but be informed that the gathering can not go ahead as the notification does not fully comply with the requirements of the law in particular Section 7(1)(b) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, Chapter 11:23 which governs notices of public meetings.
3. Your cooperation is highly anticipated.
</blockquote>

Police Block CCC Rally At Nhakiwa Business Centre, Uzumba

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has blocked CCC from holding a meeting at Dewure Business Centre, Ward 35 of Gutu Central Constituency that was scheduled for this Sunday.
In a letter dated 10 February 2023 addressed to CCC’s Lloyd Mupfudze, Chief Superintendent Taurai Joackim Mambure of Masvingo East Police District said the meeting cannot be held because “the venue is still volatile to violence”. Reads the prohibition notice:
<blockquote>
<h2>SUBJECT: PROHIBITION NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 8(a) of MAINTENANCE OF PEACE AND ORDER ACT CHAPTER 11:23]</h2>
I Chief Superintendent Taurai Joackim Mambure of the Zimbabwe Republic Police. being the regulating authority for Masvingo East Police District covering an area of jurisdiction extending from Shashe River to the North West.
Denhere Communal lands to the North, Dewure River to the East and Manjirenji Dam to the South.
ACKNOWLEDGE receipt of your notification to hold a public meeting dated 05/02/23 to be held at Dewure Business Centre, Ward 35 Gutu Central Constituency on 12/02/2023 from 1000 hours to 1600 hours which you submitted in terms of section 7 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11.23.
The application could not be approved since the venue is still volatile to violence as per our assessment (Stakeholders’ Engagement] on 29/03/22 in which you also took part.
Reference is also made to all political parties’ meeting held on 23/11/22 after a sharp increase of politically motivated cases in Gutu Central Constituency in which you were also a participant in the meeting. We are still receiving some reports of the same nature although in a decline.
Also, be advised that another political party had made a notification to hold a political activity at the same venue (Dewure Business Centre).
It is prudent that political activities be prohibited at that venue until sanity prevails. Hence all notifications pertaining to that venue are prohibited.
NOW, THEREFORE, I as the Regulating Officer do hereby issue this prohibition notice in terms of section 819) of Maintenance of Peace and Order Act [Chapter 11.23], prohibiting the holding of a public meeting scheduled for 12/02/2023 at Dewure Business Centre, ward 35 Gutu Central Constituency from 1000 hours to 1600 hours.
For the avoidance of doubt, it is declared in terms of section 8 (11) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act [Chapter 11: 23] that any person who knowingly opposes or fails to comply with this prohibition notice shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 14 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both such fine and such imprisonment.
The Officer-in-Charge ZRP Gutu is accordingly advised for the necessary monitoring.
</blockquote>

Police Block CCC Rally In Gutu Central

Police have blocked the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) from holding meetings in Beitbridge and Marondera that were scheduled for 12 February 2023.
CCC officials in Beitbridge and Marondera had notified the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) of their intentions to hold meetings at Chapfuche Dipen Business Centre and Chiwanzamarara Township respectively.
In a letter addressed to CCC official Emmanuel Takutaku, dated 4 February 2022, police in Beitbridge District said the venue had already been booked for other activities. The letter reads in part:
<blockquote>
This office acknowledges receipt of your letter dated: 04 February 2023.
Kindly be advised that the venue you intend to use (Open space at Chapfuche Dipen Business Centre) on 12 February 2023 was earlier booked for other activities on the same date and period of time.
Holding your function as notified is therefore not advisable as the two events cannot take place at the same place and time.
</blockquote>
On 06 February 2022, the Officer Commanding Police, Marondera District, Chief Superintendent P. Mthetwa advised CCC’s Caston Matewu that the rally could not go ahead because the notification did not fully comply with the requirements of MOPA. Said Supt Mthetwa:
<blockquote>
We acknowledge receipt of your notification with the above subject dated 04 February 2023 which was received at ZRP Marondera DHQ on 04 February 2023.
Your notification is invalid as it does not fully comply with the requirements of MOPA.
</blockquote>

Police Block CCC Rallies In Marondera And Beitbridge

A Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) official, David Coltart, says it is now clear that ZANU PF has banned the opposition party from holding meetings across the country.
This comes after police blocked several CCC rallies that were scheduled for this weekend in different parts of the country.
Posting on Twitter, Coltart said authorities use “every trick in the book” to block CCC from holdings meetings while those who attend private meetings are arrested. <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidColtart/status/1623937887766188032">Wrote Coltart</a>:
<blockquote>
It’s abundantly clear that ZANU PF has banned the #CCC. Our structures have been applying to have meetings throughout #Zimbabwe and every trick in the book is used to prevent these meetings from taking place. Then when we have private meetings people are arrested.
</blockquote>
Police recently blocked a CCC rally that was scheduled for the 11th of this month citing objections by some property owners.
In response to a CCC notification of its intentions to hold a rally at Rowa Grounds in Mutare, the Chief Superintendent (Supt) Regulating Authority ZRP Mutare Rural District, P. Mbira raised a number of issues.
Supt Mbira said CCC had failed to comply with the law and that the intended venue is also lined up for sporting activities by local football clubs who usually use the same venue.
Mbira also claimed that some property owners are against holding the rally at their doorsteps.
Award-winning journalist and filmmaker Hopewell Chin’ono said to date, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has used the police to ban 68 CCC rallies. <a href="https://twitter.com/daddyhope/status/1624300241393446912">Said Chin’ono</a>:
<blockquote>
These are the actions of a corrupt and incompetent ruling political party that knows it has no support in Zimbabwe and has no ideas. It is clear that it can only survive on rigging elections!
</blockquote>

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