Harare rally ban further extended

Harare rally ban further extended

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By Staff Reporter

ZIMBABWEAN police on Saturday extended a ban on political rallies and in Harare by a month.

The ban was first effected in March and a court challenge by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) on the matter is yet to be heard.

In a notice, the officer commanding Harare Central district Chief Superintendent Isaac Tayengwa said previous “disturbances” in the area had motivated the action that he claimed is based on powers conferred on him by the Public Order and Security Act (POSA).

“I believe on reasonable grounds that powers conferred by section 25 and 26 of the said act are insufficient to prevent public disorder being occasioned by the holding of rallies and demonstrations in Harare Central District,” Tayengwa said in the decree.

“Disturbances in Harare central and the surrounding areas in the past months have forced me to issue this temporary prohibition order.”

Tayengwa said on February 16, opposition-aligned youths went on a rampage, attacking police and destroying property.

“Five police officers were severely assaulted and sustained serious injuries. Herald offices and the police base at the corner of First Street and George Silunduka were stoned resulting in the destruction of windowpanes at the two premises,” the police notice added.

A supermarket belonging to a Zanu PF apologist was also petrol bombed by what the police said were MDC youths who marched along Mbuya Nehanda Street and Cameroon Street forcing people to join their demonstration.

The MDC accuses the government of trying to restrict its political programme ahead of general elections next year.
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