Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Hon Kazembe Kazembe
By Dickson Bandera
The Government of Zimbabwe has issued a stern warning regarding the 31 March planned demonstrations, stating that criminal elements are attempting to disguise their looting activities as planned demonstrations.
This comes after a demonstration was called for 31 March, with the organisers saying it is an uprising against president Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In a statement delivered today, the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage strongly condemned the organisers saying they are criminals who want to create an environment for looting.
“Zimbabweans are warned not to be used by criminals who are eyeing for an opportunity to loot from businesses under the guise of planned demonstrations,” the Minister said.
The Government has also cautioned citizens to disregard false narratives circulating online, particularly videos that are being recycled to mislead the public. One such video, which shows vendors in Bulawayo, is being used by those with malicious intent to stir public unrest.
“Zimbabweans should not be hoodwinked or misled by old recycled videos meant to give context to narratives being fostered by those bent on causing public disorder,” the Minister stressed.
The Minister’s remarks follow recent arson attacks in Harare, Goromonzi, and Sanyati, which the Government says were orchestrated by elements bent on sowing chaos. He said authorities have promised swift action, with law enforcement agencies, including the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), involved in ongoing investigations.
“Following stage-managed acts of arson yesterday in Harare and Goromonzi, the Government reassures the nation that the Police are hard on the spoor and are working with various agencies of the state to get to the bottom of the matter,” the Minister stated.
Government further reassured the public that peace prevails across the country and security agents will be on the ground in full force.
“I want to reassure all Zimbabweans that peace prevails in the country today, tomorrow, and thereafter. They should go about their business assured of peace and tranquility.
“The Government has a constitutional mandate to safeguard the security and territorial integrity of this country and security services will not apologize or renege in fulfilling this mandate,” said Minister Kazembe.
