Thursday 29 January 2026
Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Crimes & Courts
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has made a dramatic about-turn on its earlier position regarding a planned demonstration by the Zimbabwe Solidarity Movement (ZSM), now declaring the notice for the procession a legal nullity after previously indicating it could proceed.
In a letter, the Officer Commanding Police for Harare Suburban District, Chief Superintendent C. Mugurameno, informed ZSM that its notice for a procession in solidarity with the people of Venezuela does not comply with the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Chapter 11:23).
The letter references earlier correspondence between the police and the movement, including a notice dated 19 January 2026 and further communication on 27 January 2026.
In the latest communication, the police acknowledge that an earlier position taken by authorities was “not legally correct” after further scrutiny and legal consultation.
“Upon further scrutiny of both your notice and the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11:23 and seeking legal guidance, I have noted that your notice does not fully comply with the mandatory provisions of the Act,” reads part of the letter.
The police have now urged ZSM to fully comply with the law before proceeding with the procession, stating unequivocally that the original notice submitted on 19 January is “a legal nullity.”
The reversal has raised questions over the consistency and clarity of police handling of public gatherings, particularly after initial indications that the demonstration had been given the green light.
ZSM has not yet publicly responded to the latest position taken by the police.
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