Story by Peter Chivhima
THE Government has assured the public of peace and safety across the country, warning that those bent on causing chaos will be dealt with accordingly.
The Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe briefed the media in Harare Thursday evening, warning against criminal activities, amid mobilisation efforts being made on various social media platforms.
“The Government of Zimbabwe notes with deep concern the mobilisation efforts, through social media postings, pseudo press statements and letters by criminally-inclined individuals and groups inciting peace-loving Zimbabweans to engage in unlawful gatherings that interfere with public order,” Minister Kazembe said.
“The illegal acts being mobilised undermine the prevailing security, peace and stability. The retrogressive intents should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. Those fronting the mobilisation should stand warned. Their self-seeking, subversive and anti-development endeavours have been exposed. May I reiterate that we have a constitutional mandate to safeguard the security and territorial integrity of this country and we will not apologize to fulfil that mandate.”
The public has been implored to disregard the mobilisation efforts for violence and to continue engaging in their usual socioeconomic pursuits
“The Zimbabwean Republic Police has made adequate deployments to guarantee an environment conducive to socio-economic development and unhindered movement of people in all parts of the country. May I also remind the public of the need to abide by the provisions of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 24, which is categorical on the maintenance of public order.
“Equally, I need not emphasise that we are all expected to remain guided by the provisions of Section 164 of the Criminal (Codification and Reform) Act and Section 164 of the Cyber Security and Data Protection Act on offences relating to electronic communications and materials.
“The relevant instruments would be invoked to deal with those who unlawfully engage in transmitting, broadcasting and distributing data messages to any person, group of persons or to the public with intent to incite acts of violence against any persons or to cause damage to any property,” Minister Kazembe said.
The government is encouraging the public to report anyone who incites violence and seeks to cause violence in the country.
Earlier Thursday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police announced a ban on weapons in central business districts (CBDs) across the country effective from this Thursday until May 31.
