Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba stated clearly that he lacks the power to allow or stop peaceful protests across Zimbabwe. He sent this message after the "Concerned Citizens of Zimbabwe" told him they planned nationwide protests on Thursday. These citizens want to demonstrate because President Emmerson Mnangagwa hasn't fixed the country's ongoing money problems. The group aims to take action on March 20, 2025.
Mutamba wrote back in a letter dated March 18, 2025, which appeared on the police force's X account. He explained the protest group sent their notice to the wrong office. The letter said he received their message on March 14 at 3:37 PM. After reading it carefully, he noticed they meant to inform the Joint Operations Command about their plans instead of his department.
The Joint Operations Command handles security matters throughout Zimbabwe. This important group includes top officials from Zimbabwe's Army, Air Force, Police, Prisons and Correctional Services, plus the Central Intelligence Organisation. They work together on national safety issues and coordinate security operations.
Mutamba pointed out that current laws prevent him from making decisions about public gatherings. "The Legislature created the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, which removes my office from controlling public gatherings and demonstrations," he explained. He asked protest leaders to follow Zimbabwe's laws exactly when planning their events.
This law demands that anyone organizing public events must tell the police beforehand. Police officers can set rules for these gatherings to keep everyone safe. The law also makes organizers pay for any damage or injuries that happen because they didn't take proper safety steps during their event.
Mutamba wrote back in a letter dated March 18, 2025, which appeared on the police force's X account. He explained the protest group sent their notice to the wrong office. The letter said he received their message on March 14 at 3:37 PM. After reading it carefully, he noticed they meant to inform the Joint Operations Command about their plans instead of his department.
The Joint Operations Command handles security matters throughout Zimbabwe. This important group includes top officials from Zimbabwe's Army, Air Force, Police, Prisons and Correctional Services, plus the Central Intelligence Organisation. They work together on national safety issues and coordinate security operations.
Mutamba pointed out that current laws prevent him from making decisions about public gatherings. "The Legislature created the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, which removes my office from controlling public gatherings and demonstrations," he explained. He asked protest leaders to follow Zimbabwe's laws exactly when planning their events.
This law demands that anyone organizing public events must tell the police beforehand. Police officers can set rules for these gatherings to keep everyone safe. The law also makes organizers pay for any damage or injuries that happen because they didn't take proper safety steps during their event.
