- Police insist roadblocks are routine
- MDC say no intimidation can stop demos
- Zanu PF warns organisers of demos to respect Constitution
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is on a nationwide stop-and-search operation on all major highways, amid rumours of anti-government demonstrations countrywide.
The demonstrations are said to be in protest over the economic meltdown Zimbabwe is currently enduring.
Police on Tuesday were randomly searching vehicles for those carrying dangerous weapons.
The Nelson Chamisa-led MDC has in recent days been calling for anti-government protests in order to arrest what they called a Zanu PF-instigated shrinking of the economy countrywide.
Acting police spokesperson Blessmore Chishaka told Zim Morning Post that mounted roadblocks were not meant to stifle any demonstration, saying the operation was routine.
“Roadblocks are a part of policing, and this week we are just carrying the exercise; not because we are anticipating anything. We are just carrying out our duties,” he said.
Chishaka added that as a way to curb the commission of crime, police would intensify their visibility in different parts of the country.
“We are increasing our visibility so that we curb crime in the country,” he added.
MDC youth assembly spokesperson Stephen Chuma, however, dismissed Chishaka’s assertions, saying the heavy police presence was indicative that the State was in panic mode.
“The heavy police presence shows that the State is panicking. But let me send a clear message to Zimbabweans; no amount of bullets, gun powder or intelligence gathering by the State can stop the mass action. People are hungry and bitter,” Chuma said.
He added that the demonstrations were set to begin soon, without giving dates.
On Wednesday, MDC president Nelson Chamisa is expected to deliver his Hope of the Nation Address, where analysts say he is expected to signal the way forward for the nation.
Zanu PF youth league member Tafadzwa Mugwadi has warned the MDC against staging demonstrations.
“Those who are planning to demonstrate should know that the right to demonstrate does not infringe on other sections of the Constitution. If they want to provoke the police, organisers of the demonstrations should be ready to face the music,” Mugwadi added.
On January 14 last year, labour unions led protests, in which 12 people were allegedly killed, with property worth millions of dollars being destroyed.