By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police has banned the planned demonstration by the country’s labour body the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions which was scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday).

The ZCTU today announced that its peaceful protest did not require police clearance since the labour body was not mandated to be cleared by the police for peaceful protests.

The workers’ body wanted to protest against the 2 percent money transfer tax which was announced by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube last week.

However, the ZRP said that all public gatherings are prohibited due to the Cholera outbreak in Harare.

Said the ZRP in a statement:

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police wishes to advise members of the public that the directive by the Ministry of Health and Child Care and Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to ban public gatherings in the Central Business Districts and other public areas still stands.

Therefore, the organisers of the intended demonstrations by ZCTU and its affiliates should take note of the Government’s directive particularly the movement of large numbers of people from one point to another which includes cholera epicentres.

The on-going operation by local authorities and other stakeholders has indicated that the cholera outbreak is not yet over particularly in Harare. Members of the public are accordingly warned that if anything turns nasty those organising the demonstrations will be held responsible, especially with regards to the maintenance of law and order.

The ZRP urges members of the public to continue observing peace and allow the security services and other stakeholders to ensure that there is security and order as the relevant authorities step up efforts to end the cholera outbreak.

(NYATHI. P) Assistant Commissioner
Senior Staff Officer (Press and Public Relations) to The Commissioner General of Police
POLICE GENERAL HEADQUARTERS.”