The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed claims circulating on social media about a vendor protest or march in Bulawayo on Friday, 28 March.
The video in question, which purportedly shows vendors demonstrating, has been identified as an old video from a previous incident when vendors marched during the funeral of a colleague who had passed away.
The ZRP has also refuted claims made in another video, where a woman alleged she had been assaulted by anti-riot police officers on the same day.
The Police issued a stern warning to those involved in the deliberate circulation of false information, especially those sharing old videos with the intent to create panic or mislead the public.
The ZRP made it clear that those found responsible for spreading such false narratives to cause alarm and despondency will face the full consequences of the law. The ZRP said:
<blockquote>
Reference is made to the video circulating on social media purporting that there was a demonstration or march by Bulawayo vendors today.
The Police reiterates that this is an old video of vendors who were marching during the funeral of a colleague who had passed on.
The mourners were paying respects in recognition of their colleague. The public is urged to dismiss the video with the contempt it deserves.
The Police also dismisses old videos of a woman claiming that she has been assaulted with a button stick by riot Police today.
Meanwhile, the ZRP warns individuals and syndicates against circulating old videos of incidences involving Police officers with an agenda of causing alarm and despondency in the country. The law will take its course without fear or favour.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

The police in Zimbabwe say there were no vendor protests in Bulawayo despite claims on social media. A video circulating was actually from a past event, not a recent protest. The police also deny a woman's claim of being assaulted by officers. They warn against spreading false information and causing panic. People who share old videos to mislead others will face legal consequences. The public is told to ignore the fake news and not believe everything they see on social media.

ZRP Denies Claims Of Vendor Protests In Bulawayo And Police Brutality

Citizens should prioritise their safety when filming in public spaces, according to Zenzele Ndebele, Director of the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE).
His remarks follow the arrest of several people in Bulawayo this week for recording police officers during a crackdown on mushikashika and unlicensed commuter omnibuses.
Speaking on This Morning on Asakhe, a CITE X-Spaces current affairs programme, Ndebele advised citizens to avoid interfering with emergency personnel. He said:
<blockquote>
People should know that, generally, to practice as a journalist, you need to be accredited. While you can still practice without accreditation, you won’t have access to official information.
However, since everyone has a cellphone, and according to the Zimbabwe Media Commission guidelines, any Zimbabwean can register as a journalist.
With phones, people can record events, but there are areas protected by laws like the Official Secrecy Act that citizens may not be aware of.
When filming or taking pictures, you should not obstruct first responders such as the police or fire brigade. By doing so, you not only endanger them but also yourself.
It’s acceptable to use cameras to expose wrongdoing, such as cases where police overuse force or beat civilians. Such footage can serve as evidence against abuses of power.
</blockquote>
Ndebele warned that filming police activities could result in legal charges, including criminal nuisance. He said:
<blockquote>
If you’re arrested for filming the police, you may face charges of criminal nuisance. This puts your family under financial strain as they’ll have to hire a lawyer. Is it worth it?
If the police are chasing a suspect, give them space to do their work. Citizens need to remain aware of the risks and act responsibly.
Citizens must not endanger their lives just for a picture. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe has a system where accountability is lacking.
Many cases of police shootings go unresolved, with no consequences for those responsible.
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More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zenzele Ndebele said people should be safe when filming in public. Some were arrested in Bulawayo for filming police. If you film, don't get in the way of police or firemen. You can film if it shows police doing wrong things, like using too much force. But, you could get in trouble for filming police and causing problems. It's important to think about the risks and be careful when filming. Zimbabwe doesn't always hold police accountable for bad things they do. So, be safe and smart when filming in public spaces.

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