Terrence Mawawa, Chiredzi| Police here have foiled plans by local residents to demonstrate against embattled Local Government Minister, Saviour Kasukuwere.

Local residents were frustrated when the police refused to clear the demonstration, claiming the event was likely to spark civil unrest. Kasukuwere has been accused of protecting corrupt council officials.

United Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association spokesperson, Bernard Dhachi, said the police acted in an unprofessional manner.

He further said the police were deeply reluctant to sanction the demonstration.
“It is true we have planned a peaceful demo against Kasukuwere but the police are unwilling to clear the event. Kasukuwere is sitting on well documented cases of corruption. We forwarded a document indicating financial irregularities at Chiredzi Town Council to Kasukuwere’ s office but nothing has been done,” said Dhachi.

He also said: “When we initially submitted our application for clearance to the police , they highlighted some mistakes they said we had made and we corrected the errors.The police later said they would come back to us but we are yet to hear from them.”

Dhachi said the police had also indicated the association should recruit marshals to maintain order during the march in accordance with the Public Order Security Act(POSA).

“The police claimed that under POSA, the organiser of the event was expected to assist in ensuring order at the public gathering,” said Dhachi.

Kasukuwere is also under fire from his bosses in the ruling party, Zanu PF, as calls for his expulsion continue to gather momentum.