Chihuri bans political meetings

MASVINGO - Police have banned all political gatherings in the country
claiming that the current political situation is volatile and has
potential to disturb the peace.

In a circular to all officers commanding provinces Commissioner-General
Augustine Chihuri said that all political gatherings had been banned
indefinitely because of the volatile political situation in the country.

The circular dated 29 December 2008 also advised the police to be on high
alert and to monitor all activities which might be carried out by some
people under the guise of celebrating Christmas and new year.

Part of the circular read, "Please be advised that with immediate effect all
political gatherings have been banned because of the political situation in
the country. The ban will be lifted once the situation on the ground has
normalised.

"Other gatherings which are not political need to be monitored very closely
since some rogue elements might take advantage of the festive season to
undertake criminal activities which might disturb peace in the country.

"In areas where the cholera outbreak has claimed several lives it is in the
interest of the police to ban all gatherings be (they) social or political."

The police have also advised the public to report any suspicious activities
which might be taking place in their communities.

Although Chihuri could not be reached for comment yesterday an officer
commanding a province who requested anonymity yesterday confirmed the
development adding that police officers have since been barred from taking
off or leave days.

"We have also been advised to ensure that no one goes on leave since the
situation is volatile".

The blanket ban on political meetings has widened the rift between Zanu-PF
and the MDC putting prospects of establishing an all inclusive government
into jeopardy

Sources within the police said the directive to ban all political activities
comes against the backdrop of the claimed assassination attempt on Air Force
commander Perrence Shiri early this month.

Shiri, a former freedom fighter who commanded the infamous Gukurahundi
campaign in Matabeleland, was allegedly shot in the arm by unknown gunmen
while driving to his farm in Shamva. While officials were uncharastically
quick in announcing the alleged shooting no further details of the mystery
shooting have been made public.

The government has attempted to associate the MDC with the alleged
shooting.

President Robert Mugabe's government, now desperate to remain in power, has
also accused the MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai of training militants in
neighbouring Botswana in preparation for the overthrow of government.

The MDC and the Botswana government have vehemently denied the allegation
from Harare. The Botswana government has pledged to assist SADC undertake a
fact finding mission to investigate the allegations.

More that 50 civic and opposition activists are currently in prison after
being abducted by state security agents on charges of engaging in military
training in Botswana to overtrow president Mugabe's government.