She lambasted the Matabeleland North Police Chief Assistant Commissioner, Edmore Veterai for banning the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) rallies expected to be held in Victoria Falls, Lupane and Binga.
“Veterai declared that he is a Zanu-PF member. Last week they did the same in Nkayi North but we went on until the riot police came to disrupt the rally,” Khuphe told Radio VOP.
Khupe described the ban as 'absurd' and 'uncalled for' because the Prime Minister has executive powers and authority and the police have to respect that.
She said Veterai would not do the same if President Robert Mugabe notified him about his rallies.
MDC-T leader Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is expected to be the guest of honour to drum up support for his party in the forth coming by-elections.
The courts recently ruled that by-elections be held as soon as possible in Lupane East, Bulilima East and Nkayi South after the seats fell vacant following the ouster of the previous legislators in 2009 from the smaller MDC faction for undermining the party’s leadership when it was still being led by Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara. The ousted legislators are Abednico Bhebhe of Nkayi South, Njabulo Mguni of Lupane East and Norman Mpofu of Bulilima East.
The police banned the rallies citing high level of interstate meetings which will require high security coverage.
Last week in Nkayi North, MDC-T also ran battles with the police over their unsanctioned rally in Nesigwe Business Centre as it was clashing with the one for Zanu (PF).
Post published in: News