MDC-T demo hangs in balance

via MDC-T demo hangs in balance – NewsDay Zimbabwe April 12, 2016

THE opposition MDC-T’s planned mass demonstration against the government’s alleged misrule, which is set for Thursday, now hangs in the balance, as police have not yet given the nod for the march.

BY XOLISANI NCUBE

MDC-T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora confirmed the situation yesterday, but threatened to go ahead with the demonstration, saying seeking police clearance was just a formality.

“At law, there is nothing that stops us from demonstrating because initially, we had planned to do so last week and police said it was impossible because of the meeting between (President Robert) Mugabe and the war veterans. We then agreed with the police to move it forward to this Thursday and I have written three letters, but still no official response. But the police have no legal reason to stop us now,” he said.

In the past, opposition parties have clashed with the police for allegedly holding unsanctioned demonstrations, as they seek to air out their grievances against the Zanu PF regime, which they accuse of running down the country’s economy.

Police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said the MDC-T should engage relevant police officers, warning “any attempt to disobey the law will be thwarted ruthlessly”.

“The dispol (district police commander) is the authority to whom they should seek the clearance.

They should not try to do unlawful things as the police will deal with such mischief,” she said.

MDC-T spokesperson, Obert Gutu said their planned demonstration was meant to force government to honour its 2013 pre-election pledge to create two million jobs and restore economic stability.

“They promised to create 2,2 million jobs, but so far, they have successfully managed to create two million loafers and vendors. At least four million Zimbabweans are facing the horrifying spectre of starvation if they are not provided with immediate and urgent food relief. We are demonstrating against the unlawful and inhuman practice of abusing and misusing food aid as a tool for political patronage and manipulation,” he said.