Paul Nyathi|The MDC Alliance provincial chair for Harare province Eric Murai says that the blanket ban issued by the police on public gatherings in Harare due to the cholera outbreak in the capital has not affected their rally set for Gwanzura Stadium on Saturday.

Murai said via social media on Wednesday that police have given the nod for the MDC event to proceed free of any interruption.

“Let everyone know that we have been granted permission by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

“Please let the word spread as far as possible so that everyone come and witness this historic event where our President His Excellency Adv Nelson Chamisa will take oath before his legion of supporters.

“Don’t miss out on this unique event. Chamisa Chete Chete. Chamisa of the people, by the people, from the people.”

Police in Harare earlier in the week issued the MDC with a letter which allowed the party to proceed with the event on condition they controlled the behaviour of their supporters, they did not alter the venue and time of the event and did not try to intimidate passers-by among some of the restrictions.

“You shall ensure the peaceful dispersal of your members from the celebrations. Any deviation from the above will result in police dispersing your gathering,” read part of the letter written by Officer Commanding Police Harare District Chief Superintendent Winston Muzah.

Police have not issued any order stopping the MDC from proceeding with the gathering.

Earlier on, MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume had vowed the main opposition was determined to defy the ban on public gatherings citing the need to contain the cholera outbreak.

“They have used these epidemics to ban our own activities but not one of their activities has been banned due to cholera or typhoid outbreaks. They are proceeding as usual. We are therefore also proceeding as usual,” he said.