The Zimbabwe Republic Police has warned the public against tearing down or defacing campaign posters of rival contestants saying those found guilty will face up to two years in prison.
Addressing ta news conference in Harare today, Police Senior Assistant Commissioner, Erasmus Makodza said the Electoral Act criminalizes taking down posters of other aspirants.
“Members of the public are being reminded that according to Section 152(1) of the Electoral Act Chapter 2:13, from the date of which an election is called until its result is declared, no person shall deface or remove a billboard, placard or poster published, posted or displayed by a political party or candidate contesting the election,” said commissioner Makodza.
“Subsection (3) of the same section stipulates that the person who does so, ‘shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 10 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or to both such fine and such imprisonment,” he added.
Commissioner Makodza added that they have also received reports of party supporters being forced to remove their regalia saying the police is fully alert and ready to deal with those engage in electoral malpractices.
He urged political party leaders to promote peace during their gatherings also appealing to the public to maintain peace during and after elections.
“Members of the public, political parties, their candidates and supporters are once again reminded to take heed of the peace message and zero tolerance to violence which has been constantly reiterated by his Excellency, Cde ED Mnangagwa,” he said.
He also encouraged people to report any political act of intimidation, threats or violence, defacing or tearing of campaign posters to any nearest police station.
Political parties have complained against defacing and tearing down of campaign posters with Build Zimbabwe Alliance threatening to report to approach President Emmerson Mnangagwa over the matter.
