POLICE in Hwange, Matabeleland North province, have issued a notice banning the carrying of various traditional weapons ahead of a planned national shutdown scheduled for August 16.
Diaspora-based Zimbabweans, led by Jeff Juda Hosanna, have since last month been organising and mobilising the mass national shutdown in protest against President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF party’s continued rule, claiming he rigged the elections and imposed himself as President.
In a prohibition order and notice for possession of offensive weapons in a public place in Hwange policing district, Chief Superintendent Kumboyedza Mavhaku on July 29 informed the public of the ban on carrying weapons.
“I Mavhaku being the regulating authority for Hwange police district, covering the jurisdiction, Hwange, Binga, Dete, Lusulu, Kamativi and Siabuwa do hereby in terms of section 4 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act [Chapter 11:23] prohibit the carrying or possession of the following weapons, namely catapults, spears, machines, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, daggers or stones within Hwange Police District for the period August 1 to October 31, 2024,” the notice reads.
“Anyone who acts contrary to this notice shall be dealt with in accordance with the law for the next three months.”
Reacting to the notice, Hosanna said the government was doing everything to stop the national shutdown, but they were undeterred.
“They are doing everything to stop us. These are the last kicks of a dying donkey. We must exercise caution. Victory is certain,” he said.
“Surely speaking, we can do better than other countries considering that Zanu PF is imposing itself upon the people. We can stop this.”
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In a recent statement, Zanu PF director for information, Farai Marapira warned that any attempts to unlawfully picket shall not be tolerated.
“We have a duty as fellow citizens to ensure everyone upholds the law. We are a peaceful law-abiding people and mercenary unhinged politicians will not earn evil dollars for their families at the expense of the greater good for the nation,” he said.
But the prospective protestors would have none of it.
They asked who Marapira was representing, adding that it was very important for him to understand the difference between Zanu PF and Zimbabwe.
“You seem to think that the police and army are Zanu PF. Not sure where you get those mischievous thoughts. Is the 2030 mantra lawful? You will see the power of the people. Stop threatening us young man,” the organisers said.
“Zimbabwe is not your spaza shop. Our freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Constitution. We shall meet on the streets. No individual or group has the right to threaten/intimidate others, regardless of their political affiliations or beliefs.”
They said every person deserved respect, dignity and the freedom to express their opinions without fear of retribution.
