By Paul Nyathi|Matabeleland region election dark horse Mthwakazi Republic Party on Wednesday nearly brought Bulawayo Central Business District to a halt when it managed to gather a surprise number of people for its star rally ahead of the elections set for Monday.

A considerable number of about 4000 people braved heavily armed anti riot police that blocked entrance to the Large City Hall in Bulawayo where the party was meant to hold its rally which was called off at the last minute by the police but not before the party obtained an urgent court interdiction to proceed with the rally.

The rally had initially been cleared by the police but was called off at the last minute with the police citing security fears after thousands of the party supporters began gathering at the venue clad in traditional Ndebele outfit and carrying various traditional weapons including spears and shields.

The party eventually proceeded with the rally in the open space outside the venue after the Bulawayo High Court granted them an order to proceed with the rally under heavy police guard and its members gotten rid of the weapons.

“The police Forced us to seek an urgent chamber court application. We had to continue with meeting outside the venue with the blessings of the police. The initial plan of the police was to stop us but they changed their minds and allowed the rally to proceed.

“We would like to thank the members of the press and national and international observers whom we believe are the reason why the Zimbabwean State Security changed their minds. Every one here is now ready for a Mthwakazi Republic Party’s resounding victory,” said the party spokesperson Mbonisi Gumbo in a statement.

The gathering was addressed by the party’s President Mqondisi Moyo who is also Matobo North Constituency Parliamentary Candidate. Controversial Ntabazinduna based Chief Nhlanhla Ndiweni also addressed the gathering and promised to pursue further why state security wanted to stop the rally?