Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage minister Cain Mathema has warned the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) against fresh plans for nationwide protest to push the government to address the declining economic situation that has seen prices of basic commodities going up by over 700 percent.
In a statement released today, Mathema accused the MDC of abusing the constitution to foment disorder and cause anarchy in the country.
“While constitutionalism exists in Zimbabwe in terms of observance of human rights, it is disturbing that these rights which are clearly espoused in the constitution are now being misused to foment disorder and cause anarchy in the country,” said Mathema.
He further accused diplomatic missions of siding with the opposition against the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), Article 41(1) which he said emphasized against their interference with the internal or domestic affairs of the receiving state.
“My ministry is therefore concerned by the security implications of these diplomatic missions’ interference and visits to private residences of some opposition political party leaders under the guise of diplomatic engagements,” added Mathema.
Despite wide calls from the international community against the brutal assault of citizens at the hands of the police, Mathema insisted that the executive had empowered the Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga to quash the planned protests by the opposition across the country.
“The agenda will not work as the Commissioner General of Police has been given the responsibility to ensure that law and order is maintained in every village, district, province and the nation at large,
“Let me assure all peace loving and law abiding citizens that the law enforcement agents are on high alert to deal with any acts of lawlessness in the country,” he added.
Mathema further claimed that the opposition was working with transport operators to ferry its members for demonstrations at various centres across the country saying those who will be used will have their vehicles impounded by the police.
“We are quite aware that the opposition and its partners intend to hire buses and other vehicles to ferry people to various centres in the country for unlawful gatherings.
“Transport operators, both public and private should not be used as destabilising agents in the country. Let me reiterate that anyone caught on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with without fear or favour. Vehicles used to promote lawlessness will certainly be impounded by the police,” said Mathema.
The MDC has notified the Regulating Authorities in all Police districts and stations of its intended demonstrations on the 29th to the 31st of August 2019.
