Zanu-PF to set up command centres

Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
ZANU-PF Matabeleland North province has set up command centres around the province for easy surveillance of violent protests.

Zanu-PF provincial chair for Matabeleland North Cde Richard Moyo, who is also Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, said the party provincial leadership convened a provincial inter-district meeting in Lupane on Sunday where a resolution to establish command centres was made.

Community leaders including war veterans, youths and traditional leaders will be used as point persons at the command centres at village, ward, constituency, district and provincial level.

They will be assisted by security agents, Cde Moyo said.

“People were asking about their safety following events around the country although we are happy as a province that we had no such problems.

“We decided that as a party elected by people we come up with command centres to deal with violent protests and protect people. Security services are ready and as a party we are also ready to deal with any criminal elements and protect our people,” he said

Cde Moyo said the command centres would be used to convey information about any suspicious people and activities in each area.

“We encourage every member of the community to help maintain peace in the province,” he added.

“We are the prime tourism province in the country and we’re glad that tourism was not affected by last week’s events as it was business as usual especially in Victoria Falls.”

Matabeleland North remained calm when Zimbabwe was rocked by violent protests on Monday and Tuesday last week characterised by destruction of property, looting, burning of shops, closure of schools and industry with Bulawayo and Harare provinces the epicentres.

The three-day violent protests were organised by MDC Alliance, Zimbabwe Congress for Trade Unions (ZCTU) with social groups such as Tajamuka/Sesijikile and ThisFlag movement.

Cde Moyo said while Matabeleland North recorded no incidents of violence last week, the party felt there is a need to ensure security of the general populace.

-@ncubeleon