The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Harare has issued a prohibition order barring residents from carrying items which can be used as weapons, amid calls for demonstrations scheduled for March 31.
A statement issued by one Chief Superintendent Masvivi of Harare central district warned community members to avoid carrying several items including catapults, machetes, knobkerries, swords, knives or daggers.
Masvivi said the ZRP “believes on reasonable grounds” that the carrying of the listed items, whether openly or by concealment, should be prohibited.
Additionally, people in Harare have been banned from carrying traditional weapons, which the police said are “likely to occasion public disorder or a breach of peace”.
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The prohibition order will span a period around two months from Thursday to May 31.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is declared that in terms of Section 13 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, any person who fails to comply with such a prohibition shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 5 or imprisonment for six months, or both such fine and imprisonment,” said Masvivi.
Meanwhile, one of Zimbabwe’s most wanted fugitives and outspoken war veteran Blessed Geza did another live broadcast on Wednesday night calling to descend on the streets on March 31 for protests.
Geza has been an outspoken critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and has been calling on the head of State to step down.
Clad in camouflage regalia, Geza warned several people in government and Zanu PF positions that they would be “dealt with”. Geza and other war veterans have been calling for Mnangagwa to step down, citing endemic corruption and mismanagement of the country’s affairs.
Earlier this month, Geza, who was part of the Zanu PF central committee was expelled from the ruling party over allegations of ill-discipline.
As days draw closer towards the purported March 31, there has been a massive deployment of police officers in and around Harare as authorities intensify efforts to contain the situation.
IOL