Police Block Gweru Residents' Demo, Cite MOPA Provisions
Police have rejected an application by Gweru residents to stage a demonstration against the Gweru City Council on Monday.
The planned protest was organised by Gweru United Progressive Residents and Ratepayers Development Association (GUPRADA) and Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA).
It was set to take place at Gweru Town House from 11 AM to 1 PM.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) turned down the application on the grounds that the convenors failed to meet the requirements outlined in the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA).
Part of a letter dated 12 October 2022, addressed to GUPRADA director David Chikore by the officer Commanding Gweru Police Urban District Superintendent Joshua Nyamadzawo reads in part:
Reference is made to the notification dated September 11, which was received on October 11. This office regrets to advise you that your notification does not meet the requirements as outlined in Section 7.1(a), 7.2(f-h)b of MOPA Chapter 11;23.
You didn’t give adequate notice of seven days for the intended gathering. You failed to state conveners’ addresses and their deputies’ names, addresses and telephone numbers. You failed to indicate the number of participants.
You failed to indicate the number and names of marshals as well as how they’re distinguished.
You also failed to mention the manner in which the participants will be transported to and from the venue.
GRRA director Conilia Selipiwe told NewsDay Weekender that they had taken note of the letter and will make another application on Friday, 14 October 2022.
