The ZRP Press Statement read:
The Zimbabwe Republic Police sincerely regrets the inconvenience that took place at the venue of the MDC Alliance Press Conference this afternoon.
Given the prevailing situation security situation and events that unfolded on the 1st of August and Intelligence at hand, the police responded purely on the tenets governing meetings and gathering according to the country's laws.
We wish to state that the police had information to the effect that there was a public gathering which was unlawful and had intentions to disrupt the prevailing peaceful environment.
The ZRP sincerely apologizes and wish to state that we respect freedom of the media, freedom of expression and freedom of association as provided for by the Zimbabwean laws. This isolated should not be misconstrued to mean that we are heavy handed. We have constitutional mandate to ensure that law and order is maintained.
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POLICE GENERAL HEADQUARTERS
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