Melanie Robinson, the British ambassador, has called for restraint from both the state security and citizens in the citizens demonstrations set to take place in major cities today.

Robinson said on Twitter she was concerned by “toughening language on and off social media in Zimbabwe.”

The Zimbabwean goverment and the ruling ZANU PF party have in the last two weeks been using very strong language threatening citizens intending to take part in the demonstrations.

A day ahead of the demonstrations, on Thursday, after midday, downtown Harare was largely empty.

In Gweru and Masvingo, vehicles were being turned away from entering the CBD.

A police statement said no demonstrations would be allowed.

“All security arms of government are on full alert and will deal decisively with any individuals or groups fomenting violence and sending threats or provocative messages through the social media or any other means,” it said.

Robinson tweeted as follows: