POLICE in Masvingo have blocked a solidarity rally for incarcerated former opposition legislator Job Sikhala slated for today at Mucheke Hall, Masvingo.
The gathering was aimed to put pressure on the government to release Sikhala, who has been in remand prison since June 2022 and has since been convicted of inciting public violence.
In a letter dated January 23, addressed to the event organiser Obert Masaraure, officer commanding Masvingo Central district one Chief Superintendent S Dube said the planned rally is a security threat as it did not comply with the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Mopa) provisions.
“Reference is made to your notification dated 19/01/24 that was brought to my attention with the above subject matter. Please be advised that the district including Masvingo town is currently hard hit by the cholera pandemic hence gatherings of such magnitude are discouraged.
“You are therefore being advised that your notification is not sanctioned in terms of Maintenance of Peace Order Act Chapter 11:23,” read the letter.In an interview, Masaraure said the police are using Mopa to restrict freedom of association and assembly.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is deploying the Maintenance of Public Order Act as a tool to curtail freedom of association and assembly. The police are acting in a stinking partisan manner, denying those deemed as opponents of the ruling Zanu PF right to assemble,” he said.
Masaraure added the movement remains unaffected by partisan police actions.
“We are however guided by the principle of the supremacy of the constitution. Administration conduct and ancillary laws cannot deny us our fundamental right to peacefully assemble. The Movement won't be choked by the partisan police force, we will meet without notifying them when the need arises,” said Masaraure.
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“The Zimbabwean State is guilty of caging an innocent man for nearly 2 years, they panic whenever people want to assemble in the name of the persecuted Job Sikhala. We demand the immediate release of Job Sikhala”.
