Police on high alert

d, “Cancellation of Leave and Placement of Members on Standby,” reference number MJ57/2007, Chihuri cancelled all leave and placed all officers on alert.
“All police officers who had been granted leave should return to their respective stations with immediate effect and be deployed as commanded by their provincial commanders. The dress order of the day will be full riot gear until further notice and those members who remain at stations should be alert for urgent calls of action,” read part of the memo.
In a separate memo, also written last week, highlighting rising tensions in Zimbabwe, Deputy Commissioner for Human Resources Barbara Mandizha, ordered police stations around the country to compile lists of “able-bodied” officers for immediate transfer to Harare and Bulawayo.
Sources at police HQ said the transfer was a “pro-active” strategy to prepare for possible protests in the two cities, both strongholds of the main opposition.
“Commanders should treat this matter with urgency as this is a directive from the Minister (of Home Affairs). No excuses should be entertained as this is a national call,” says the memo.
Three weeks ago, the police fought running battles with MDC supporters in the working class suburb of Highfield as they sought to block the opposition party led by Morgan Tsvangirai from holding a rally to launch its campaign for next year’s presidential election.
The Zimbabwe government has banned protests and rallies following the violent protests, a move the MDC says amounts to a declaration of a state of emergency.
Police spokesperson Wayne Bvudzijena refused to comment and Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi could not be reached for comment. – ZimOnline