The MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe and the Zimbabwe People Party (ZPP) have distanced themselves from the July 31 planned protests.

MDC national chairperson Morgen Komichi 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 Mr Komichi.

In a letter to its members, the ZPP said it will not be part to the planned demonstrations because Mr 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.

“Mr Ngarivhume has also not shown us police approval for the demonstration and issues of police escort for the demonstration,” read the statement in part.

Pointing to incidents of violence synonymous with past opposition protests, ZPP said it will not partake in protests that did not fall within the ambit of the law.

In its statement, the ZPP said on its life part demonstrations are only a measure of last resort and therefore it will not be stampeded into backing subversive plots of some power hungry parties

“The ZPP policies and guidelines put demonstrations as a last resort measure which is undertaken after all efforts have been exhausted. We have not seen any efforts to correct the current situation in Zimbabwe from Mr Ngarivhume, and as a result ZPP members cannot take part in the demonstrations. We believe in exhausting peaceful means first before engaging in violent methods. All demonstrations in Zimbabwe ended in ugly violent scenes due to poor planning by the organisers,” read the statement.