Ban on rallies and protests

The police claim they have inadequate manpower.

The opposition have likened the move to a state of emergency and said the government of Zimbabwe was panicking. The decision came as President Mugabe snubbed a regional summit on the Zimbabwean crisis in Zambia today.

The opposition says Mugabe is using violent and underhand means to retain power.

Mugabe’s spokesmen say he has no intention of stepping down, despite losing the presidential election two weeks, which the veteran leader claims was rigged by the opposition. Mugabe, who continues to retain an iron grip after nearly 28 years in power, is demanding a presidential election run-off, which the opposition has rejected.

Rallies and protests have been banned with immediate effect, police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena announced on State radio Saturday morning. There are insufficient officers to deploy at such rallies. Besides, we see no reason for rallies since we have had elections.

An MDC spokesman, whose party has planned to roll out mass action Tuesday to demand the immediate announcement of poll results, scoffed at the ban and said there was no way an illegal regime could impose a ban on people who have rejected them.

We cannot accept a declaration of a police state, said Nelson Chamisa, spokesman for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change. People have just voted for change, for democracy and what do they get? This is unacceptable. This is ridiculous.

On Friday, police used tear-gas and water cannon to scuttle a prayer meeting in dowtown Harare called ahead of the mass protests.

Police chased and beat people at the prayer meeting, including innocent by-standers and worshippers.

There were several arrests. The police have been out in force in Harare suburbs as well in a massive show of force.

Police said the ban was necessary to prevent further disorder and warned against defiance.

All political parties are warned against creating mayhem as we know there are many people who wish Zimbabwe to lose its peace, another police spokesman, Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Faustino Mazango said in a separate radio address. Surely those who want to provoke a breach of peace, whoever they are and whatever office they hold, will be dealt with severely.