According to a CCDZ statement, police accused the NGO of holding a ‘political’ meeting without police clearance.
“Police was incensed by the presence of Tracy Mutinhiri and several notable MDC-T activists at the gathering. This was despite the attendance of Zanu (PF) and other political party supporters from surrounding villages.
“Police details on the ground refused to confirm the legality of the meeting with officer commanding Marondera district police. They insisted the gathering was political and urged participants not to be associated with ‘the so called regime change agenda,” read part of the CCDZ statement.
CCDZ took a swipe at the ‘unprofessional’ conduct by police.
“In Masvingo East, Chief Superintendent Mubayiwa recently denied CCDZ authority to hold meetings at Nyika and Mupandawana Growth Points. He said the meetings would disturb farming activities in the area and only gatherings meant for farm inputs distribution would be permitted.”
CCDZ programmes officer, George Makoni, said his organisation was non-partisan and would not be deterred from its core business of promoting peace and political tolerance.
Director CCDZ, Philip Pasirayi described police conduct at Dhirihori as clear evidence of partisan behaviour by those supposed to enforce law in a professional manner.
“The much talked about forthcoming elections will not be any different from previous ones. The inclusive government must remove from the police force all political activists masquerading as government law enforcement agents,” said the fuming Pasirayi.
Efforts to get comment from Marondera District Chief Superintendent Dube were fruitless, as he was reportedly out of office.
“No one is in a position to give a comment since Chief Superintendent Dube is out of office,” said a police officer who said was the Marondera district clerk..
Post published in: News