Own Correspondent|Government has cleared the opposition MDC demonstration set for Thursday in the capital, but not before issuing threats against the leader of the opposition party advocate Nelson Chamisa.

State Media quotes Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), who is also the President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba, warning that the MDC-Alliance and its leadership will be held accountable if the planned demonstration on Thursday results in loss of life and limb or damage to property.

In an interview with the media, Charamba said the onus was on the opposition political party to ensure there was no injury to life and damage to property.

“Section 59 of the Constitution is very clear, it confers the right to demonstrate on all Zimbabweans,” he said.

“There is no intention of withdrawing that constitutional right except there is a qualification on that right both at the level of the Constitution and subsidiary law.

“Apparently, our laws place a burden on the organisers of that demonstration to make sure there is no injury to life, limb or property. In the event of any damage at whatever level, the onus is on the organisers and that must be known fully by the MDC-Alliance.

“By their own admission, they are the ones who have approached the police, they are the ones who have called for the demonstration and we assume all demonstrators belong to them. So, we hold them fully and squarely accountable. They are liable jointly and severally.”

Mr Charamba said certain protected areas will be a no-go area for opposition supporters.

“There are certain places which are protected at law which means you can’t violate those places and there is a difference between expressing your grievance and violating the law,” he said.

“Certain things may not happen.”

Mr Charamba went on: “This country has a precedent of abuse of Section 59 by way of events of August 1 for which a whole international Commission of Inquiry has been set up.

“The act of setting up the Commission is our own way of saying NO to untoward behaviour during the pursuit and enjoyment of Section 59. About this, let not more be said.”

Mr Charamba said ultimately, a right presupposes continuity of life and “there must be the Zimbabwean State, Zimbabwean life and the morning after the demonstration for everyone.”

“Government has taken note of statements from MDC Alliance leader (Mr Chamisa) to say that nations are built on love and unity and we hope that being a pastor, he will live the verse,” he said.

Security agencies have said they are ready to deal with anyone found breaking the law.