Government has warned foreigners to either stay away from
local politics or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Ambassador Cain
Mathema, who indicated that some foreigners — including a well-known global
violence architect from Serbia — arrived in the country for MDC-Alliance
demonstrations scheduled to start on Friday under the guise of being tourists.
Ambassador Mathema said MDC-Alliance has started rounding
up street kids using unmarked and plate-less vehicles, whom they want to use in
destroying and looting shops “in return for some goodies”.
“We are also aware that some foreign nationals are now in
the country on the pretext of being tourists yet they are activists who are
working closely with the opposition political parties to organise the perceived
demonstrations,” said Ambassador Mathema.
“The foreigners include one who is known for masterminding
the Arab Spring and the recent Sudan clashes.
“Let me remind foreigners who are dabbling in local
politics that Zimbabwe is a sovereign state and will not allow people disguised
as tourists to come and promote anarchy and destruction of property in the
country.”
MDC-Alliance and its civil society partners wants to stage
violent demonstrations in the country on August 16, 19 and 20, with the hope of
ousting President Mnangagwa as has been repeatedly said by party leader Nelson
Chamisa and deputy national chairperson Job Sikhala.
The planned violent demonstrations are designed to coincide
with the Sadc Summit in Tanzania, where Zimbabwe is expected to assume the
chairmanship of the Sadc Organ on
Politics, Defence and Security.
Ambassador Mathema said MDC-Alliance has sent notifications
to hold the demonstrations to regulating authorities in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru
and other towns.
He added that Government recognised Sections 58 and 59 of
the Constitution, which grant citizens freedom of assembly, association and
freedom to demonstrate and petition, but said it also has a “huge
responsibility” to ensure law and order was upheld in the country as enshrined
in Section (219) (1) (c) and (d) of the national supreme law.
Ambassador Mathema urged citizens to continue observing
peace and undertake their socio-economic activities knowing fully well that the
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and other security services were ready to
protect everyone who wants to move freely.
“The Commissioner-General of Police (Godwin Matanga) has
promised the ministry that the police is ready to deal with unruly elements who
want to cause alarm and despondency in the country.
“Members of the public are accordingly implored to remain
calm and not be swayed into joining any violent conduct by the opposition under
the pretext or guise of a ‘peaceful demonstration’,” he said.
MDC-Alliance says its demonstrations will be peaceful, but
Government has observed a surge in messages threatening the prevailing peace
and tranquillity.
The demonstrations have been dubbed a “march for our lives,
16th August 2019” and the “start of final push, hatidzokere kumba, asibuyeli
emakhaya”.
Fliers and pamphlets seen in Epworth, Mbare, Kuwadzana,
Glen View and Chitungwiza are calling on opposition activists to carry
dangerous weapons with which to attack law enforcement agents during the
demonstrations.
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces say they will only intervene
when national security is threatened. Herald
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