Former Seke MP Willard Madzimbamuto has denied any involvement with a notification regarding a demonstration that was submitted to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on Thursday evening in his name as the convener.
In a letter addressed to the Officer-in-Charge at Dema Police Station, Madzimbamuto—who was among several CCC MPs recalled by Sengezo Tshabangu after the August 2023 general elections—stated that he did not authorise anyone to represent him.
He asserted that he was not involved in any demonstrations of any kind and was out of the country. Wrote Madzimbamuto:
<blockquote>
I write to advise of a criminal act that has been committed purportedly in my name without my knowledge confirming myself as a convener of demonstrations to be held during the SADC summit.
Am reliably informed that one Tinashe Marembo AKA ” Hustler” submitted the letter this evening under the pseudo name “Thomas Mapfumo”, a name he attempted to disguise himself to the Police manning the Police station gate but he was positively identified at the station.
Am further informed that despite attempts to call him back to the station by the Police to sign for the letter have not materialized as he has not done so.
I write to categorically state that the act is not only criminal but mischievous as I did not author any letter nor did I authorize anyone to act as such on my behalf nor am I involved in any demonstrations of whatever nature.
To the contrary am actually out of the Country on vacation. I, therefore, wish to have the purported letter bearing my name as convener and one Melody Makoto as Deputy Convener withdrawn with uttermost urgency.
</blockquote>
In recent weeks, the government has enhanced the presence of security forces in urban residential areas to prevent any potential demonstrations that may arise during the SADC Summit in Harare.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Former Seke MP Willard Madzimbamuto says he didn't write a letter about a protest that was sent to the police in his name. He was not in the country at the time and did not authorize anyone to use his name for the protest. Someone named Tinashe Marembo submitted the letter without his permission. The government has increased security to stop any protests during the SADC Summit. Madzimbamuto wants the letter to be taken back quickly since he had nothing to do with it.

Former Seke MP Willard Madzimbamuto Distances Himself From Alleged Protest Letter

In Zvishavane, a local magistrate has authorised the police to confiscate printing equipment and computers from JivE Studios, a printing business owned by Givemore Makandire.
According to a search and seizure warrant obtained by authorities, the CID Law and Order Section in Zvishavane has accused Makandire of printing and distributing political flyers that allegedly incited illegal demonstrations and public violence.
The warrant, which is circulating online, grants the police permission to seize the printing machines and computers from Makandire’s JivE Studios as part of their investigation into these claims. The warrant reads in part:
<blockquote>
Whereas from information taken upon oath before myself, there are reasonable grounds for believing that Givemore Makandire who operates Jive Studio in Zvishavane is engaging in Printing and distributing political fliers inciting illegal demonstrations and Public Violence, thus seizing possession or control of all his Information Technology equipment and related documents which are required as exhibits in a criminal docket and that it is necessary for the purpose of investigating or detecting a case of Incitement to commit Public violence as defined in section 187 ARW section 36 of the Criminal Law Codification And Reform Act Chapter 09:23…
It is therefore directed that Givemore Makandire should avail or afford the Peace Officers and Law Officers unconditional access to his Studio.
These are therefore in the State’s name to command you to proceed to Givemore Makandire’s studio and there from immediately obtain and take into your custody the Information Technology equipment, related documents and take them to a Police Station or any other place of safety until the matter is finalized or until you further receive further orders from court.
</blockquote>
This comes as the ZANU PF-led government has intensified its crackdown on pro-democracy activists ahead of the SADC Summit to be held in Harare on 17 August.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

In Zvishavane, the police raided a shop called JivE Studios owned by Givemore Makandire. They took printers and computers. The police say Makandire printed flyers that encouraged illegal protests. The government is cracking down on activists before a summit. The police have a warrant to search and seize things from the shop. The warrant says they believe Makandire is printing things that cause public violence. They are investigating the case.

Police Raid Shop Accused Of Printing Flyers Inciting Illegal Demonstrations

Citizens Coalition for Change’s (CCC) Youth Task Force National Administrator Pashor Raphael Sibanda, was summoned by the police on Thursday in Bulawayo, accused of planning a demonstration.
Sibanda, the former Cowdray Park Member of Parliament, and other CCC youth taskforce members recently held a press conference in Bulawayo where they threatened to stage street protests if urgent electoral reforms are not implemented.
Speaking to CITE’s <a href="https://cite.org.zw/former-cowdray-park-mp-summoned-by-police-over-planned-demo/">Senzeni Ncube</a>, Sibanda said that he was summoned for questioning following the press conference. He said:
<blockquote>
So, the police have called me for questioning following the press conference that we held on the 12th of December.
They allege that I am organising a demonstration in Bulawayo to be held tomorrow the 22nd of December.
However, in my press statement, I only said ‘We will flood the streets,’ we never spoke about the date and venue for our demonstrations.
I have since told them that I am not responsible for the 22nd December demonstration.
If we are to do a demo, we will do it at an appropriate time and we will do it in terms of law.
They said if there is a demo tomorrow, they will arrest me. They want to pin me for tomorrow’s demo.
</blockquote>
He said the authorities are trying to intimidate him and other activists to discourage them from speaking out against the government.
In Zimbabwe, under the Maintenance of Peace and Order (MOPA), which replaced the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) in 2019, there are specific steps and considerations for organising demonstrations or public gatherings.
The Act covers gatherings, processions, and public demonstrations. It restricts assemblies in certain places and regulates how they are conducted.
The law stipulates that organisers or conveners must notify the police at least seven days before the event for demonstrations or marches and five days before for public meetings.
However, certain types of gatherings are exempt from following the MOPA, including those held exclusively for religious, educational, recreational, or charitable purposes, agricultural shows, and theatrical performances, among others.
The Police have routinely used the Act to bar opposition parties and civic organisations from holding public events, for example, political rallies by parties in the run-up to general elections.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former Cowdray Park MP, Pashor Sibanda, Summoned By Police

Protestors in Sri Lanka demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resign forced their way into his official residence and nearby office on Saturday, local television reports said.
Thousands of people were demonstrating in the capital, Colombo, against the island nation’s worst economic crisis in recent memory.
A government spokesperson, Mohana Samaranayake, said he had no information about whether Rajapaksa had left the residence.
Protestors, some carrying national flags, also entered the president’s office in another nearby building.
Demonstrators had occupied the entrance to Rajapaksa’s office building for the past three months calling on him to step down.
Security personnel tried to stop protesters at the president’s office, but they passed through the fences and stormed the Parliament building, which has been converted into the president’s office.
At least 34 people including two police officers were wounded in clashes as protesters tried to enter the residence.
Last month, Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the country’s economy has collapsed.
The country’s facing an acute foreign currency shortage, and in April, Sri Lanka announced it is suspending repaying foreign loans.
Its total foreign debt amounts to $51 billion of which it must repay $28 billion by the end of 2027.
The Rajapaksa political dynasty that has ruled Sri Lanka for most of the past two decades has been nearly dismantled by the protests.
One of Rajapaksa’s brothers resigned as prime minister last month, and two other brothers and a nephew quit their Cabinet posts earlier but the president has clung to power.
Wickremesinghe took over as prime minister in May and protests temporarily subsided.
Protestors now want him to resign too saying he has failed to fulfil his promises.
<h4>More: <a href="https://apnews.com/article/asia-economy-sri-lanka-074d8194c64572dc80118f88a01df1c2?taid=62c94552c95ca00001c049d1&amp;utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&amp;utm_medium=AP&amp;utm_source=Twitter">AP News</a></h4>

Sri Lanka: Protesters Storm President’s Residence, Office

Pupils at Umaa Institute, a private college located in Marondera, staged a protest at the Great Hall at the institution yesterday.
The students were protesting against what they regarded as brutality by the school owner Cleopas Kundiona.
One of the students who spoke to Pindula News said they could not take the abuse anymore alleging Kundiona is in the habit of locking up and denying pupils access to classrooms.
The pupils alleged Kundiona boasts that he is not afraid of anyone and reveres the President only. Said one of the pupils:
<blockquote>
Yesterday we protested beacuse we want better food and we don’t want to be abused anymore. He [Kundiona] is using a baseball to beat pupils every morning.
What happened yesterday is that some of our colleagues were taken to a classroom and were forced to sleep on the floor the whole night. To make matters worse, they were all girls.
We just want justice. We are being beaten up every single day.
</blockquote>
The protest by pupils at Umaa Institute comes as students at several schools across the country have staged demonstrations over maladministration in the past few weeks.
Recently, 40 pupils at pupils <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gokomere_High_School">Gokomere High School</a> allegedly went on a rampage destroying the Dining Hall (DH) window panes and the school head Acquanos Mazhunga’s vehicle.
<ul>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/11/14/violent-demo-rocks-st-faiths-high-school/">Violent Demo Rocks St Faith’s High School</a></li>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/11/08/police-detain-40-gokomere-high-school-pupils/">Police Detain 40 Gokomere High School Pupils</a></li>
</ul>
Barely a month before the incident at Gokomere, pupils at <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mashoko_Secondary_School">Mashoko Mission High School</a> in Bikita District, went berserk and destroyed property including the head, Trynos Mbwirire’s vehicle, prompting the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to deploy the Riot Unit to the school.
Just over 10 days ago, students at the Anglican-owned St Faith’s High School teamed up with disgruntled members of the community to besiege the parsonage and forcibly evict the school principal Reverend Daniso Muchichwa.
Rev Muchichwa was being accused of orchestrating the removal of the school headmaster Arnold Makamba and his deputy Irvine Mudangwe.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Pupils Stage Protest At Umaa Institute

Police in Malawi yesterday fired teargas to break up an anti-government protest over alleged corruption and economic mismanagement by President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration.
Hundreds of Malawians poured into the streets in Blantyre to demand that Chakwera’s administration act on its election promises that included creating 1 million jobs and ending hunger.
Speaking to Reuters, Bonny Kalindo, a former legislator who led the Friday protests lamented rising food and fuel prices. He said:
<blockquote>
We are into the second year and there are still no jobs. The promise of three meals a day has failed to materialise, and instead, prices of fuel, food and cooking oil have skyrocketed.
</blockquote>
Friday’s protests reportedly turned violent as a pro-government group also moved in to stop the march across the city.
Some businesses and government buildings were closed as a result.
Chakwera in June 2020 unseated former leader Peter Mutharika in a re-run election after he pledged to curb corruption and rebuild the ailing economy.
But Malawi’s consumer price inflation rose to 9.8% year on year in October from 8.9% in September.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/malawi-police-fire-teargas-anti-government-protesters-2021-11-19/">Reuters</a></h4>

Malawi Police Fire Teargas At Anti-government Protesters

ZANU PF political commissar, Victor Matemadanda, said the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) is not trained to feed porridge to citizens but to use force to crush violent demonstrations.
Matemadanda, who is also the Deputy Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister, made the chilling remarks in Chinhoyi on Sunday during the ruling party’s Mashonaland West provincial coordinating committee meeting. He said:
<blockquote>Do they allow hooligans to burn shops in Britain? The police will use minimum force and if they don’t succeed in dispersing demonstrators it’s fine.
But at the company (defence ministry) where l work, they are not trained in using minimum force.
Our soldiers are not trained to feed porridge, they defend the country’s territorial integrity.
I urge you to run home when you see them coming.</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) Secretary-General also accused Britain and the opposition MDC Alliance of attempting to cause anarchy in Zimbabwe in a bid to effect regime change through sanctions and planned street demonstrations.
Matemadanda made the threats amid reports of planned protests in January next year over the country’s worsening socio-economic and political crisis, and grand corruption allegedly perpetrated by politically exposed persons (PEPs).
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/army-not-trained-to-feed-porridge-but-crush-anti-govt-protests-matemadanda/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

'Run Home When You See Them Coming', Matemadanda Says Soldiers Will Crush Protests

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Republic_Police">Zimbabwe Republic Police</a> (ZRP) has warned Zimbabweans against taking part in protests in Musina, South Africa, saying those who engage in the planned demonstrations will be dealt with.
In a statement posted on its social media channels on Friday, the ZRP said it had taken note of a video circulation on social media calling for Zimbabweans to converge in Musina. The statement read:
<blockquote>The ZRP warns the public against taking heed of a WhatsApp message being circulated showing 3 men – 1 identified as Baba “Sithole” and another as Baba Divine Mwana akatsamwa Michael and inviting the public, particularly Zimbabweans to gather and engage in unlawful activities in Musina.
The police and relevant stakeholders will ensure action is taken on all unruly elements.</blockquote>
It is, however, not clear how the ZRP will stop the protests in the neighbouring country since it doesn’t have jurisdiction over events in South Africa.
It has become increasingly dangerous to hold peaceful protests in Zimbabwe with police swooping down on nurses, activists, students and even individuals for holding peaceful protests.
Recently, police arrested Takudzwa Ngadziore, the leader of the Zimbabwe National Students Association (ZINASU) for holding a protest against Impala Car Rental.
Ngadziore was demanding that the company discloses the individual who hired one of its cars that were used to abduct a Midlands State University (MSU) student, Tawanda Muchehiwa in July.
Over half a dozen university students who protested Ngadziore’s arrest were also arrested by police.

ZRP Warns Zimbabweans Against Demonstrating In South Africa

<blockquote>PRO-DEMOCRACY CAMPAIGNERS SET FREE AFTER PROTEST AGAINST PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
A ZIMBABWEAN court on Thursday 16 July 2020 granted bail to three pro-democracy campaigners who were arrested on Wednesday 15 July 2020 by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) members and charged them for allegedly protesting against some proposed amendments to the Constitution.
Magistrate Barbra Mateko set free Namatai Kwekweza aged 21 years, Youngerson Matete aged 29 years and Prince Gora aged 24 years, who were arrested by ZRP members in central Harare and charged with contravening section 37(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of the peace or bigotry.
Prosecutors charged that Kwekweza, Matete and Gora, who were represented by Nontokozo Tachiona-Dube of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, gathered at Africa Unity Square in Harare holding some placards with messages denouncing some proposed amendments to the Constitution.
Gora, prosecutors charged, used his mobile phone handset to record a video as they were marching towards Parliament Building.
Besides ordering Kwekweza, Matete and Gora to pay bail money, Magistrate Mateko also asked the trio to report once a week at various ZRP stations, not to interfere with state witnesses and to continue residing at their given residential addresses.
Kwekweza, Matete and Gora return to court in September, where their trial is expected to commence.
ENDS
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights</blockquote>

Three Anti-constitutional Amendments Activists Granted ZWL$1 000 Bail Each {Full Text}

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has chided the government for the heavy deployment of soldiers and police in residential areas and the country’s streets, saying the move will solve the country’s problems.
ZCTU president Peter Mutasa on Monday told the Daily News that deploying security forces will only worsen the situation as people will eventually go out looking for food. Said Mutasa:
<blockquote>We are mobilising the workers. Actually, the workers are being mobilised by the material conditions in the country.
Instead of sending heavily-armed police and soldiers, the government should better address the workers’ concerns.
People are hungry. Deploying the army and police in our view exacerbates the situation because eventually, people will go out to look for food. People are desperate, and they are working for nothing.</blockquote>
Mutasa warned that workers are prepared to embark on a prolonged, indefatigable peaceful demonstration to force the powers that be to resolve the country’s perennial challenges. He added:
<blockquote>We are prepared for a long, protracted struggle. What we are demanding is a peaceful demonstration.
The people must be very peaceful. We must be wary of people who join us and seek to cause violence. Our resistance must be peaceful and avoid provocateurs.
Apartheid in South Africa was not dismantled in one day. Even the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe was prolonged.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, police in Masvingo on Monday arrested four Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) members after they had staged a demonstration earlier in the day.
<h4>More: <a href="https://dailynews.co.zw/security-forces-on-high-alert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

ZCTU Plans Prolonged, Peaceful Protests

The opposition MDC Alliance youth wing plans to stage rolling protests at the end of the national lockdown period to force President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step and down.
Mnangagwa’s departure would pave the way for the formation of a National Transitional Authority that will implement necessary reforms ahead of fresh, credible polls, the opposition youths said.
Speaking during an interview with NewsDay on Sunday, MDC Alliance national youth spokesperson Stephen “Sarkozy” Chuma warned Mnangagwa that he faces the prospect of a long winter. Said Chuma:
<blockquote>As the MDC youth assembly, we said it before and we would like to reiterate that Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is not going to last beyond June of this year.
Not even an extension of the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown will save him from massive public outbursts.
Before lockdown, we said we are taking the battle to Mnangagwa’s doorstep and we really mean what we say.
Certainly, we are going to give the old man a very long winter that will give birth to a leader from (the) people and not the courts.</blockquote>
The MDC Alliance has attempted to hold demonstrations in the past which were either blocked by the courts or crushed by the police.
The government has been using the loathsome Public Order and Security Act (POSA) to block the opposition from holding demonstrations.
-NewsDay-

MDC Alliance Youths Plot Demos After Lockdown

The government of Zimbabwe has warned opposition MDC leader <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nelson Chamisa</a> over his threats to unleash unsanctioned protests in the wake of authorities’ failure to arrest the country’s deepening economic and social crises.
Speaking to the Daily News on Thursday, Home Affairs minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kazembe_Kazembe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kazembe Kazembe</a> said police can deal with any illegal disturbances. He said:
<blockquote>Whoever breaks the law will be dealt with according to the law. The law enforcement agents in our country can deal with any illegal disturbances.
The police have a constitutional mandate to protect the peace-loving people of Zimbabwe as well as their properties.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said conveners of demonstrations should always follow proper procedures.
<blockquote>The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Republic_Police" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)</a>’s mandate is to maintain a peaceful environment. Our role is to make sure that people are living in a peaceful environment.
It’s is clear what is supposed to be done when someone wants to protest or petition, he or she must follow proper procedures.</blockquote>
While addressing a press conference in Harare on Tuesday, Chamisa said the people of Zimbabwe are not weak, therefore, Zanu PF and the government should not take them for granted.
<h4>More: <a href="https://dailynews.co.zw/govt-warns-chamisa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

Chamisa Warned Over His Call For Unsanctioned Protests

The government has warned would-be protestors that it would adopt the shoot-to-kill against any violent demonstrations in future.
This was said by the Deputy Minister for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Energy_Mutodi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Energy Mutodi</a>, in an interview with the Daily News on Sunday. Said Mutodi:
<blockquote>They (the opposition) are desperate to maintain political relevance among their supporters, having lied to them that they would overthrow the government before the end of last year.
We will not tolerate anarchy and as such the shoot-to-kill policy that we have authorised against rogue machete-wielding miners will apply to those who will participate in violent and unlawful demonstrations.</blockquote>
Mutodi’s stern warning comes as the opposition MDC has announced that it will hold events across the country to remember people who were killed in January last year by security forces during fuel protests.
The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Congress_of_Trade_Unions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)</a> has also warned that it will call for a mass stay away to push the government to address the social and economic challenges bedevilling the nation.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2020/01/13/govt-will-crush-planned-demos-minister-says-as-opposition-plots-mass-protests" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

Govt To Adopt The Shoot-to-kill Policy Against Violent Protestors - Mutodi

The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) led by Nelson Chamisa has resolved to find strategies to go around prohibition orders routinely issued by the police against demonstrations.
The party intends to stage spontaneous demonstrations at different locations simultaneously.
This was revealed by party youth wing leader, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/08/01/chamisa-condemns-attempted-abduction-of-tererai-sithole-by-8-gunmen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Obey Sithole</a>, who was speaking on the sidelines of preparations of the MDC 20th anniversary in Harare on Wednesday. He said:
<blockquote>They have stopped demonstrations when we notify them, but they cannot stop us when we want to demonstrate. After August 16, if you have been following, we had a demonstration that we conducted and we went to Parliament over the abductions.
We also staged a demonstration at <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Parirenyatwa%20Group%20of%20Hospitals" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parirenyatwa Hospital</a>. We have simply resolved to have a change of strategy. Whenever we want to demonstrate, they have said you cannot continue, now we won’t be notifying them.
People have to understand the difference between violence and resistance. What I have always advocated is resistance. It is every person’s right to resist any form of oppression and repression. So this is what I have been saying.</blockquote>
In August, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/08/16/just-in-mdc-calls-off-16-aug-harare-demonstration/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">police banned all protests that had been planned by the MDC in major cities across the country</a>. The protests were meant to force the government to address the current security, social and economic challenges bedevilling the country.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/09/mdc-plots-ed-police-ambush/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

MDC To Stage Protests Across The Country Simultaneously

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says it is not against the holding of demonstrations per se but the constitution states that the enjoyment of rights should not infringe on the rights of others.
This was said by police deputy Commissioner General Stephen Matamba who was addressing peacekeeping police officers during a briefing and debriefing ceremony for South Sudan and Darfur contingents under the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur. He said:
<blockquote>As a law enforcing agent, the ZRP is not against people holding peaceful demonstrations as may be peddled or portrayed by some in our society.
For the avoidance of doubt, the ZRP is fully mindful and desirous to the importance of upholding the rights of citizens as enshrined in the Constitution.
But we are also not blind to the apparent fact that such rights are not absolute. The supreme law of the land clearly states that the enjoyment of rights should not be done by infringing the rights of others.</blockquote>
The remarks follow the ZRP’s decision to ban all demonstrations that had been planned by the opposition MDC across the country last month.
The few hundred protestors who took to the streets of Harare were quickly dispersed by baton-wielding police officers with some left nursing bruises.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/09/13/police-speak-on-demonstrations" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

We Are Not Against Peaceful Demonstrations - ZRP

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has cancelled all leave for police officers and resolved that officers are no longer allowed to resign.
An internal memo to all police stations dated May 31, 2019 reads in part:
<blockquote>Addressees are being advised that all forms of leave and time off have been cancelled/suspended until further notice. All officers and members should be advised to report back to their respective workstations by 01/06/19 without fail.
The Police force has also decided to put under surveillance discharged or retired officers as they are thought to be supportive of civil disobedience. The bulletin reads;
… profile and strictly monitor all retired and discharged members or officers within their areas of jurisdiction.
This office is greatly concerned with the involvement of the retired or discharged members in organising and coordinating civil unrest and demonstrations across the country.</blockquote>
The memo further stated that all retirement requests by members who have not reached pensionable age have been suspended.
Moreover, police bosses in the districts and provinces are now required to deliver lectures monthly to their subordinates about loyalty and dedication to service.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2019/06/04/police-cancel-retirements-leave-as-they-brace-for-anti-government-protests/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZimLive</a></h4>

ZRP Cancels Leave Days For Members, Orders Spying On Retired Officers

Zimbabweans are now tired of demonstrations as they believe them to be a dead end and will not achieve anything positive.
This comes as the main opposition party, the MDC has vowed to roll out demonstrations across the country to force the government to deal with the many challenges facing ordinary citizens.
A survey carried out by New Zimbabwe in Harare revealed that ordinary people do not want demonstrations. A citizen identified as Tendai Makechemu said:
<blockquote>These demonstrations will not solve anything. What is only required is for the interested parties to engage in a dialogue. By doing so, I am sure they will come up with a solution which will pave a way forward.
Look at our neighbouring countries. I wonder what these countries are doing which our country is failing to do. These are the reasons why most of our citizens are migrating to these countries.</blockquote>
Another citizen, Nelson Mushonga, said dialogue is the way to go, and that protests will only result in loss of people’s lives. He said:
<blockquote>Demonstrations are not the solution to the current situation in the country. If the political leaders were willing to resolve economic problems, they will surely resolve the issues. Protests will only result in loss of lives and price hikes which does not change anything.
The economy can only be resolved by demand and supply. As regards money, people are demanding the adoption of the US Dollar. If this country is selling minerals like gold in US$, the question is why is it that the government is failing to pay salaries in that currency?
They could even give at least US$10 for each and every transaction made by individuals at the banks. This will reduce money changers in the streets because the foreign currency will be circulating.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/demonstrations-will-not-solve-countrys-problems-citizens/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New Zimbabwe</a></h4>

Zimbabweans Now Tired Of Demonstrations, Prefer Dialogue Instead - Report

In an interview with the Daily News,  government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said demonstrations will not help anyone get a job or put anyone into power.
Mangwana was responding to MDC leader Nelson Chamisa who warned that Zimbabwe could face more demonstrations unless the issue of youth unemployment is addressed. However Mangwana said Government is doing all it can to create employment. Said Mangwana:
<blockquote>From the government side we are doing all that is in our power to ensure that Zimbabweans work. We are reforming in order to create an enabling environment for capital to feel comfortable. We are easing our way of doing business so as to bring efficiencies and cut out unnecessary bureaucratic delays. Regarding unrest and jobs it is very clear that the anarchy avenue is self-defeating in as far as job creation is concerned. The last incitement to unrest we had in January left behind infrastructural ruins and a battered image of the country as a destination to foreign capital. So going down that road will surely not help anyone get a job or put anyone in power for that matter.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/03/27/govt-pleads-with-chamisa">Daily News</a></h4>

Demos Won't Help Anyone- Govt Responds To Chamisa

A Newsday report suggests that the government is planning a clampdown on the opposition and civil society as that economy continues to tank.
There have been calls in the past few months by opposition parties as well as by teachers’ unions to embark on mass protests against the deteriorating economic situation and rising living costs.
The well-placed government sources who spoke to Newsday said that:
<blockquote>The security agents are on high alert. There is fear that the proposed protests by teachers, ZCTU and the opposition may force things off hand, especially coming at a time when schools open and parents cannot afford to pay the hiked fees and uniforms.
There was a meeting this week by the Joint Operations Command, and one of the major issues was to call on President Mnangagwa to address the deteriorating economic situation in the country to avoid a security crisis. The demonstrations will be met with force from the government.</blockquote>
<h3>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/01/govt-plots-opposition-clampdown/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Newsday</a></h3>

Govt Plans To Use Force To Crush Any Demonstration As Economy Sinks - Report Claims

In a statement, Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana warned against demonstrations meant to topple President Mnangagwa.
Mangwana said Zimbabwe is a constitutional democracy. Said Mangwana:
<blockquote>Government takes note of media reports wherein some political entities made threats to overthrow the constitutionally-elected Government and subsequently install an unelected person as President of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is a constitutional democracy with an elected leader, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose term of office runs until 2023…Government therefore places on record that any attempts to topple the Government and institute the long failed illegal regime change will be frowned upon.</blockquote>
Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga said the ZRP was ready to deal with demonstrations meant to topple Mnangagwa. Matanga also discouraged Zimbabweans from unlawful actions by sponsored outfits. Said Matanga:
<blockquote>We have heard about this information but ourselves as an organisation we are going to make sure that our officers are properly trained and equipped, to make sure they will be able to overcome the intended demonstrations being talked about. At the same time, I want to appeal to members of the public to make sure that they do not involve themselves in such demonstrations.</blockquote>
<hr/>
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/01/02/we-are-going-to-send-mnangagwa-packing-mdc-threatens-to-march-to-state-house/" rel="bookmark">We Are Going To Send Mnangagwa Packing: MDC Threatens To March To State House</a></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/12/27/ngos-accused-of-working-with-westerners-to-force-mnangagwa-into-gnu-or-transitional-authority/" rel="bookmark">NGOs Accused Of Working With Westerners To Force Mnangagwa Into GNU Or Transitional Authority</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<hr/>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/no-to-regime-change-demos-govt/">Herald</a>

Govt Warns Against Demos To Oust Mnangagwa

In an interview with the Daily News yesterday Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi said Government will not hesitate to take action against opposition parties that are planning to hold demonstrations.
Ziyambi said MDC should realise there are limits to constitutional rights and freedoms. Said Ziyambi:
<blockquote>MDC is failing to uphold the Constitution, they are playing double standards, it is the very same Constitution which declared President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the winner, ironically they are refusing to accept the verdict of the Constitutional Court but they want to use the same Constitution to demonstrate. Our laws are very clear; we want to hold them for their actions using the same laws. We can’t continue to have people who abuse the law for their own benefit. There are limitations on demonstration rights.</blockquote>
Asked if the government is planning to amend the country’s laws so that they can thwart any demonstration, Ziyambi said the laws are there to deal with any form of unlawful protest.
<hr/>
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/12/25/we-have-have-been-tolerant-enough-zanu-pf-youth-leader-threatens-to-take-no-prisoners-in-2019/" rel="bookmark">“We Have Have Been Tolerant Enough”, Zanu-PF Youth Leader Threatens To Take No Prisoners In 2019</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<hr/>
More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/01/01/govt-to-tighten-screws-on-protesters">Daily News</a>

Govt Won't Hesitate To Take Action Against Protesters- Ziyambi

Presidential spokesperson, George Charamba, yesterday said the MDC leadership will be held accountable for loss of life and limb or damage to property during their demonstration on Thursday.
He said the responsibility is on the MDC leadership as the organisers of the demonstration to make sure there is no loss of life and limb or damage to property. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>Section 59 of the Constitution is very clear, it confers the right to demonstrate on all Zimbabweans. There is no intention of withdrawing that constitutional right except there is a qualification on that right both at the level of the Constitution and subsidiary law. Apparently, our laws place a burden on the organisers of that demonstration to make sure there is no injury to life, limb or property. In the event of any damage at whatever level, the onus is on the organisers and that must be known fully by the MDC Alliance. By their own admission, they are the ones who have approached the police, they are the ones who have called for the demonstration and we assume all demonstrators belong to them. So, we hold them fully and squarely accountable. They are liable jointly and severally.</blockquote>
<hr/>
<h4>Also Read:</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/11/26/mdc-to-roll-out-demonstrations-in-harare-this-thursday-cites-economic-hardships/" rel="bookmark">MDC To Roll Out Demonstrations In Harare This Thursday, Cite Economic Hardships</a></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/11/19/chamisa-says-hes-ready-to-lead-demos-from-the-front/" rel="bookmark">Chamisa Says He’s Ready To Lead Demos From The Front</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<hr/>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-speaks-tough-on-mdc-alliance-demos/">Chronicle</a>

Demonstrations Latest News

Latest Jobs