22 November 2008
POLICE yesterday barred MDC-T report-back rallies citing the cholera epidemic.
The party had planned meetings in Kuwadzana and Glen View, hoping to communicate with supporters their position on the stalled talks for the inclusive government.
"While the MDC appreciates the magnitude of the cholera outbreak, we believe that the police are playing games and the ban is part of a cocktail of political measures to punish the MDC for not "playing ball" in the dialogue process," said Nelson Chamisa (below), the party's spokesperson, yesterday.
The police have in the past banned MDC rallies citing the need to maintain law and order.
This time police double standards were clear as Zanu PF was allowed to hold meetings. In Masvingo where health officials were battling to contain the cholera outbreak, Zanu PF was scheduled to hold provincial council elections that drew several party officials from across the province.
Zanu PF has also planned the annual congress in Bindura early in December where thousands of people are expected to attend. Chamisa said the MDC was keen to see whether police would ban the Zanu PF congress.
Meanwhile lawyers representing 13 MDC-T members who were abducted in Banket two weeks ago by suspected state security agents are suing the Minister of Home Affairs Kembo Mohadi for defying a High Court order.
Alec Muchadehama said he was in the process of filing an urgent court application suing Mohadi, Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri, Chief Supt Chrispen Makedenge and Officer Commanding CID Homicide, Detective Sergeant Muuya, for failure to release the activists as directed by the court.
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