NEW: ZRP Commissioner General speaks over public demonstrations

“Our beloved citizens are enjoined to avoid night travelling to curb road traffic accidents and also to utilize vehicles which have been certified fit, insured and registered,” said Comm-Gen Mutamba.

Online Reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba has said the Concerned Citizens of Zimbabwe misdirected their request to hold a demonstration on March 31 as his office no longer holds the authority to grant such permissions.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Commissioner General Mutamba said the country’s legislature excluded his office from regulating public gatherings and demonstrations under the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) [Chapter 11:23].

“Reference is made to a correspondence dated 14 March 2025 on the above subject, which was served at my office on the same date at 15:37 hours,” he said.

“Having perused the said correspondence and particularly noting that the author(s) intend to ‘notify the Joint Operations Command (JOC)’ of an intended ‘peaceful demonstration countrywide,’ I am certain that it has been misdirected to my office.”

Commissioner General Mutamba urged Concerned Citizens of Zimbabwe, through their representatives, to follow the correct legal procedures when organising public demonstrations.

“The legislature, in its wisdom, through the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) [Chapter 11:23], excluded my office from regulating public gatherings and demonstrations,” he said.

“In fact, MOPA clearly outlines how these rights must be exercised.

“I therefore urge the concerned citizens, through their representatives, to ensure full compliance with the laws of Zimbabwe. Be guided accordingly.”