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Crime Reporter
Police have warned some politicians who are sending false information locally and internationally about the security situation in the country, saying they risk being arrested and prosecuted.
Authorities have also taken note of some offensive messages being circulated on social media platforms openly agitating for violence and illegal gatherings, especially in Harare and Bulawayo.
In a statement yesterday, police said officers were on high alert to deal decisively with any unruly elements bent on causing disturbances in the country.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged the public to be wary of such unruly elements who want to loot shops and destroy property.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns the public against engaging in any form of unlawful gathering in any part of the country,” he said. “The police has taken note of offensive messages circulating on social media platforms openly agitating for violence and illegal gatherings, especially in Harare and Bulawayo.
“The public is accordingly advised to ignore these messages. Some of the messages are being circulated by elements who are not resident in the country and taking this advantage.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is on full alert and will deal decisively with unruly elements bent on disturbing the current peaceful environment obtaining in the country.
“The public should be careful against being used as a conduit to loot shops and destroy property through unlawful gatherings. The police strongly warns politicians who are sending false information locally and internationally about the security situation in the country that they risk being arrested.”
Asst Comm Nyathi implored the public to report to the police, anyone circulating false messages to the public for swift action to be taken.
This week, police launched a manhunt for two suspects, believed to be CCC members, who are part of a group of political activists who are mobilising people to stage demonstrations under the guise of voter verification.
According to police, the rogue elements are openly inciting violence and issuing threats aimed at causing alarm and despondency in the country.
Investigations conducted by CID Law and Order section have led to the identification of the two suspects as Hamy Madzingira and Lovemore Makuwerere whose whereabouts are still not known.
On Monday Asst Comm Nyathi said: “The ZRP advises Hamy Madzingira of Sunningdale suburb, Harare and Lovemore Makuwerere of Western Triangle, Highfield, Harare to report to CID Law and Order, Harare, with immediate effect. This is in relation to ongoing criminal investigations.”
Asst Comm Nyathi said police was fully aware of attempts by some political activists to mobilise groups of people to move in small numbers and come to Harare for purported briefing and popcorn demonstrations under the guise of citizen voter audit or verification.
This had even been given credence by some social media posts obtained by the police where some individuals and groups were openly inciting violence and issuing threats aimed at causing alarm and despondency among Zimbabweans.
He said the public should report criminal acts to the National Complaints Desk on number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp number 0712 800 197.
Online Reporter