By Sheryleen Masuku | Bulawayo – Zimbabwe’s state security agents are reported to be on high alert on the eve of the country’s 41st Independence Day celebrations, with a cabinet minister throwing an open threat to arrest disgruntled political parties and activists throughout the country.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe was quoted in the Herald Newspaper this week warning opposition parties to desist from engaging in illegal demonstrations over the Independence Day Weekend. Minister Kazembe’s remarks were made following speculation by Government officials that opposition leaders and activists were planning demonstrations across the country on Independence Day which will be celebrated tomorrow, 18 April 2021.
Kazembe was quoted saying his ministry had directed the Commissioner-General of Police (Godwin Matanga) to be on high alert over the weekend following so called ‘reports’ that the MDC Alliance was organising a series of demonstrations against the country’s deteriorating socio economic conditions, under the theme “The Winter Jest”.
“The police and other security services will be on high alert and ready to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. May I warn those who are planning and coordinating these illegal demonstrations that the law will take its course” said Kazembe.
The government of Zimbabwe has been accused by opposition parties and activists of using every excuse in the book including Covid 19 regulations to thwart opposition gatherings. Members of Mthwakazi Republic Party in Bulawayo, however, said they will go ahead with protests planned for tomorrow’s Independence Day despite warnings from government officials and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
In a press statement released on the eve of Independence Day, MRP said although the party had not been cleared by the ZRP to proceed with the march they will go ahead as planned.
“We cannot pretend that we are happy with the so called independence day, because in reality it’s not yet Uhuru for Mthwakazi . We can’t pretend that we are independent when our people are languishing in remand prison”.
MRP urged all party members to gather at Bulawayo city hall tomorrow at 0930 am despite government warnings, for the two hour march scheduled to begin at Bulawayo City Hall and end at Enxwaleni Grounds.
“It should be clear that that the police did not ban the march but only suggested that it is not recommended”.
“ If by saying that they don’t recommend the march, they are implying that they are banning it, then what they intend to do is illegal”.
MRP says it is imperative that they take to the streets tomorrow in order to demand justice for their comrades who have been incarcerated. The protesters will be calling for the release of nine party members who were arrested last month for taking part in a similar protest. The party also hopes to highlight the plight of their President Mqondisi Moyo who is reported to be in hiding following a raid at his house by state security agents.
“It is our demand as a party that our people should be freed immediately and unconditionally. Our president Mqodisi Moyo must be a free citizen” reads the statement. The situation remained calm in Harare without any unusual police presence.