GOVERNMENT will today deploy security forces to quell mass demonstrations organised by a coalition of opposition parties joining forces to push for electoral reforms and change — should the protest turn violent — as pressure mounts on President Robert Mugabe to reform or quit, it has been established.
Home Affairs minister Ignatius Chombo addressed a press conference in Harare yesterday, threatening to crush today’s political demonstrations.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) yesterday refused to grant permission to the 18 political parties under the auspices of the National Election Reform Agenda and the Coalition of Democrats to march in the streets of Harare, prompting the parties to approach the High Court.
Justice Hlekani Mwayera, who heard the urgent matter, is expected to make a ruling at 8am today, but protest organisers insist the demonstration will forge ahead, setting the stage for violent confrontation like what happened on Wednesday in Harare.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs minister Ignatius Chombo said state security forces would not hesitate to descend heavily on protestors.
“We will not tolerate any illegal demonstration. If they elect to march unlawfully, the police are there to protect citizens from lawbreakers,” Chombo said yesterday at a press briefing in Harare attended by Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi and State Security minister Kembo Mohadi.-AMH
