Police say they will deal with CCC protests

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Police have said they are prepared to deal with planned opposition Citizens Coalition for Change demonstrations if they fail to comply with the provisions of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act.

This comes after CCC national youth task force administrator, Pashor Sibanda this week declared that will lead protests if the government fails to reform.

“We want to put it clearly, without any fear or favour if the regime continues harassing our people, if the suffering of Zimbabweans continues as it is we will democratically, constitutionally peacefully hold them to account by any means necessary and unnecessary,” said Sibanda.

“We are ready to defend, we are ready to die for this country, to make sure we defend the victory of our people.

“We are aware of Zanu PF’s agenda to steal the will of the people and undermine the role of the alternative in the country.

“We have noted fraudsters and criminals being used by the regime as political conduits to collapse the people’s movement and aid a one-party state through illegal recalls.”

CCC spokesperson, Promise Mkwananzi had earlier threatened unspecified activities in constituencies where elected officials were recalled by Sengezo Tshagbangu, who claims to be the party’s interim secretary-general.

In an interview with Zim Now, Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged CCC to follow the provisions of MOPA or face police action.

“The CCC knows the provisions of the law, if they want to demonstrate they should do so in following the provisions of MOPA,” he said.

“No one is above the law, we won’t hesitate to arrest those who break the law.”

CCC is accusing Zanu PF of orchestrating the recall of its MPs and councillors through Tshabangu. However, Zanu PF has denied the claim, arguing that the recalls were a symptom of factionalism within the CCC.