MDC national chairperson Morgen Komichi has questioned the rationale of the protests at a time when the country is grappling with a global pandemic and its devastating impact on lives and livelihoods.

“I don’t know the rationale of this, but this does not smell good.

Why put people’s lives at risk for money, why the protests now? As the MDC we will not be part to the charade,” said Komichi.

In a letter to its members, the Zimbabwe People Party said it will not participate in the planned demonstrations because Jacob Ngarivhume did not inform other opposition parties of the safety measures that will be taken to protect the marchers and that he has not sought clearance from the police as is required under the country’s laws.

“The ZPP guidelines values the safety of members and Zimbabweans at large and in the absence of Covid-19 safety precautions and guidelines from Mr Ngarivhume, it is hence very difficult for ZPP members to take part because their safety is not guaranteed-State media