By A Correspondent
As the planned March 31 protests loom, tensions are escalating across Zimbabwe.
The government has ramped up security measures, deploying anti-riot police units nationwide to prevent any demonstrations.
Reports indicate that some of these units were spotted along Josiah Tongagara Street and at the Corner of Mazowe Street on Monday, signaling an increased readiness to suppress any unrest.
The protests, instigated by war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, have raised alarm within the government.
Geza, along with his team, is calling for nationwide demonstrations in an effort to force President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa to resign.
The planned action is a response to growing dissatisfaction with the current regime, as the country grapples with economic hardship and political repression.
In response to these developments, the government has issued a stern warning.
Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere emphasized that any form of civil disobedience would not be tolerated.
Speaking to the national broadcaster, Muswere stated, “We will not tolerate lawlessness. The government is ready to maintain peace in the country.”
The deployment of anti-riot police units and the government’s strong rhetoric suggest that authorities are preparing for significant unrest in the lead-up to the protests.
With the march for change gaining momentum, the regime’s focus seems to be on preventing any disruption to their hold on power, further intensifying the political climate ahead of the planned demonstrations.
Geza, the leader behind the protest call, has warned that the people are determined to make their voices heard, despite the government’s heavy-handed response. “The government is scared of the people; they are trying to suppress us, but we will not be silenced,” Geza remarked in a statement ahead of the protests.
The stage is set for a tense showdown as Zimbabweans prepare for the March 31 demonstrations, with the government showing no sign of backing down from its warning to protesters.