HARARE – The Zimbabwean government has issued a stern warning against planned demonstrations slated for March 31, after war veteran Blessed Geza intensified calls for mass protests to demand the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In a statement on the country’s security situation, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe condemned efforts to mobilize Zimbabweans through social media, labeling them as acts orchestrated by “criminally-inclined individuals and groups.”
“The Government of Zimbabwe notes with deep concern the mobilisation efforts, through social media postings, pseudo press statements and letters by criminally-inclined individuals and groups inciting peace-loving Zimbabweans to engage in unlawful gatherings that interfere with public order,” Kazembe said.
The minister warned that security forces were on high alert to curb any unrest, emphasizing that the government would not hesitate to take action against those attempting to destabilize the country.
“The illegal acts being mobilised undermine the prevailing security, peace, and stability. Those fronting the mobilisation should stand warned. Their self-seeking, subversive and anti-development endeavours have been exposed. May I reiterate that we have a Constitutional mandate to safeguard the security and territorial integrity of this country and we will not apologize to fulfill that mandate,” hi9e said.
Geza, a liberation war fighter, has called for nationwide protests, accusing Mnangagwa’s administration of economic mismanagement and failing to address rampant corruption. His calls for action come amid suggestions that the government has not done enough to address the country’s economic crisis.
However, Kazembe maintained that authorities had made “adequate deployments” to ensure public safety and prevent any disruptions. He warned that engaging in illegal protests or inciting violence through digital platforms would attract severe penalties under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and the Cyber Security and Data Protection Act.
“The Zimbabwean Republic Police has made adequate deployments to guarantee an environment conducive to socio-economic development and unhindered movement of people in all parts of the country,” he added.
The minister urged the public to report any individuals inciting violence and provided contact details for police hotlines in Harare and Bulawayo, including Police General Headquarters WhatsApp: 0712800197.
As tensions mount ahead of March 31, it remains to be seen whether the calls for mass protests will gain significant momentum or if the government’s warnings will deter public participation.
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