Police Block CCC Rallies In Marondera And Beitbridge
Police have blocked the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) from holding meetings in Beitbridge and Marondera that were scheduled for 12 February 2023.
CCC officials in Beitbridge and Marondera had notified the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) of their intentions to hold meetings at Chapfuche Dipen Business Centre and Chiwanzamarara Township respectively.
In a letter addressed to CCC official Emmanuel Takutaku, dated 4 February 2022, police in Beitbridge District said the venue had already been booked for other activities. The letter reads in part:
This office acknowledges receipt of your letter dated: 04 February 2023.
Kindly be advised that the venue you intend to use (Open space at Chapfuche Dipen Business Centre) on 12 February 2023 was earlier booked for other activities on the same date and period of time.
Holding your function as notified is therefore not advisable as the two events cannot take place at the same place and time.
On 06 February 2022, the Officer Commanding Police, Marondera District, Chief Superintendent P. Mthetwa advised CCC’s Caston Matewu that the rally could not go ahead because the notification did not fully comply with the requirements of MOPA. Said Supt Mthetwa:
We acknowledge receipt of your notification with the above subject dated 04 February 2023 which was received at ZRP Marondera DHQ on 04 February 2023.
Your notification is invalid as it does not fully comply with the requirements of MOPA.
