The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has turned down a demonstration notification submitted by one Calvin Moyo on behalf of the Nelson Chamisa led faction of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) which sought permission to hold a demonstration in Bulawayo, but according to the ZRP, it failed to meet the mandatory provisions of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA). This move has been viewed by some as a necessary step to maintain law and order amid rising concerns of potential violence.
The response from Chief Superintendent V. Nkomo, a regulating authority of the Bulawayo Central District, acknowledged the receipt of the demonstration notification, which was dated October 16, 2023. However, the ZRP argued that the notification did not adhere to the legal requirements stipulated in MOPA.
The rejection of the demonstration notification comes at a time when the CCC Spokesperson Ostallos Siziba, has been vocal about their intention to protest the results of the 2023 elections, which they claim were rigged. Their insistence on taking to the streets has raised concerns among some sectors of the public, who fear that such protests could escalate into violence.
The ZRP’s decision to reject the notification should be understood in the context of maintaining public safety and order. While the right to protest is a fundamental aspect of a democratic society, it is also imperative that such demonstrations are conducted within the confines of the law. The MOPA provisions are designed to ensure that demonstrations are peaceful and do not pose a threat to the safety and security of citizens.
Additionally, it has been noted that some CCC members have openly called for demonstrations as a means to effect what they term as “regime change” following their loss in the 2023 elections to the ruling ZANU PF party. These calls for violent action and the potential for unrest have raised concerns about public safety.
The ZRP’s rejection of the CCC’s demonstration notification can be seen as an attempt to prevent any potential violence and maintain order during a critical period in the country’s political landscape. It is a reminder that while the right to protest is protected, it must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with the law.
There have been leaked reports from the CCC camp that the party is plotting a Mango strategy that will see their supporters being rolled into violent mass actions across the country and shutting down of borders creating a fictitious crisis with an aim to push for SADC to put Zimbabwe on its agenda.
As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the CCC and its members will respond to the rejection and whether they will seek alternative means to express their grievances and demands.
