By Paul Nyathi| In a very bold and long awaited move President Emmerson Mnangagwa has indicated he will be removing the inconveniencing 6pm to 6am ban on passing through Chancellor Avenue which passes through the State House and Zimbabwe House in Harare.

Speaking to journalists at a press conference in Victoria Falls last Thursday, President Mnangagwa said he was impressed by the level of tolerance and political maturity among Zimbabweans that make him believe that the State House may not be under any threats requiring the curfew.

The road has traffic signs informing motorists that it is closed between 6PM and 6AM.
The restriction of passage between 6PM and 6AM. The security measure was introduced on the road in the 1980s by former President Robert Mugabe after some people threw missiles at Zimbabwe House opposite the State House prompting government to tighten security.

Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans should be allowed to enjoy their freedom and he doubts that there could be a repeat of the missiles incident.

“It was in the 1980s when some people driving along Chancellor Road fired rockets onto Zimbabwe House. So we didn’t want that possibility of people using proximity to Zimbabwe House and we closed that road between 6PM and 6AM because the incident happened at night,” said President Mnangagwa.

“It is my belief that the possibility of such a thing is now very remote. I have no doubt and have confidence in our own people that they have respect for our own institutions,” the President said.

“It is my view that if we do well and if we are all united there is no need for firing rockets. We can’t force respect through such means so I am going to make sure that closing is removed because after all we have security patrolling so why not allow people freedom,” added President Mnangagwa.

The President said security personnel guarding the section of the road will remain in place.