By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a stern warning to members of the public to desist from attending and participating in unsanctioned gatherings including purported church gatherings.

The law enforcement agents said it had come to their attention that there were individuals mobilising people to gather at public spaces without notifying the police.

Said the ZRP:

“It has come to the attention of the Zimbabwe Republic Police that there are some individuals who are mobilising people to gather at certain public places without notifying the respective Regulating Authority in terms of section 24 of the Public Order and Security Act (Chap 11:17).

That notification allows police to make security considerations such that there is minimal interference with the rights of those who do not want to be part of such gatherings.

We are therefore appealing to members of the public not to participate in unsanctioned gatherings which in most cases result in malicious damage to property, looting of property, interference with normal of flow of traffic in central business districts and resultantly disturbs the maintenance of law and order by the police.

Members of the public should not be hoodwinked into participating in politically inclined activities under the guise of church prayers in public places.

In the same breath, those who are planning and mobilising people to participate in unlawful gatherings are being warned to desist from such acts and comply with the law.

Anybody found on the wrong side of the law will be arrested and dealt with according to the laws of the country.”