HOME Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe has said law enforcement agents are ready to deal with opposition party supporters and human rights activists who are threatening to hold demonstrations countrywide demanding the immediate release of Citizens Coalitions for Change (CCC) “interim leader” Jameson Timba and 78 others.
Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo yesterday denied bail to the 79 activists who were arrested on June 16 at Timba’s residence in Avondale, Harare, accused of holding an unsanctioned political gathering.
Police beat up dozens of opposition supporters and arrested several others outside the court who had gone there in solidarity with the incarcerated activists.
Opposition party deputy spokesperson Gift “Ostallos” Siziba addressed the crowd after the bail hearing and said the continued detention of the activists would leave them with no choice, but to take to the streets in protest.
Speaking during the burial of the late Retired Brigadier-General Romeo Daniel Mutsvunguma at the National Heroes Acre yesterday, Kazembe said they would deal with those bent on causing chaos in the country.
“When we have peace in the country, there are some parties holding meetings and wanting violence. We are waiting for you,” he said.
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The Zanu PF-led government has already issued a chilling warning against the opposition.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week warned the opposition that the security agents were on high alert.
Police have been arresting opposition activists at private residences, accusing them of holding unsanctioned meetings.
On Saturday, six members of Job Sikhala’s National Democratic Working Group were arrested at a private residence in Kuwadzana, Harare, for holding “an unsanctioned meeting”.
Meanwhile, addressing mourners at the National Heroes Acre yesterday, Mnangagwa said his government rejected hegemonic tendencies and intrusive foreign manoeuvres from Western countries.
“Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none. However, we remain vigilant and ready to defend our rich liberation heritage, territorial integrity, peace, security and the hopes and aspirations of the people of our motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.
“As we continue building Zimbabwe and playing our part in regional and continental affairs, we reject hegemonic tendencies and intrusive foreign manoeuvres by some Western countries bent on sabotaging the rights of the people of Africa to true independence and sovereignty.”