Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
As the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit approaches, the government has taken unprecedented measures to ensure peace and order in Harare. Soldiers have been deployed in Harare’s residential areas, beginning with Chitungwiza, to maintain public security and visibility.
Chitungwiza is the vast high density town outside Harare where Citizens Coalition for Change Member Moreblessing Ali was abducted and murdered in 2022.
Ali’s mutilated body was found in a well two weeks after her disappearance.
Top lawyer and former Finance Minister in the Government of National Unity, Job Sikhala was to endure time behind bars over utterances he said at the discovery of Ali’s body.
And yesterday the residents of Chitungwiza were greeted by Police water canons, army armoured vehicles and truck-loads full of soldiers and police officer clad for war.
“We want to ensure that the summit is held in a peaceful and secure environment,” said a government spokesperson.
“The deployment of soldiers is a precautionary measure to prevent any potential disruptions or disturbances.”
Residents of Chitungwiza were surprised to see convoys of soldiers and police patrolling the streets yesterday.
“I was shocked to see so many soldiers and police in our town,” said a resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s like they’re preparing for war.”
The soldiers were equipped with motorized military gear, while police were armed with water cannons, batons, and guns.
“It’s intimidating to see so much firepower in our neighborhood,” said another resident. “We’re not sure what to expect.”
Our sources informed this publication that the atmosphere in Chitungwiza was tense, with residents imposing self-curfews.
“Many bars closed early, and vendors were forced to leave their stalls,” said a local business owner. “It’s affecting our livelihoods.”
A resident at St Mary’s shopping center noted the limited loitering in the area.
“People are afraid to hang around for too long,” they said. “It’s like the authorities are trying to control every aspect of our lives.”
The police announced plans to deploy law enforcement agents to certain suburbs to enhance public security visibility.
Farai Marapara Zanu-PF Information and Publicity Director was quoted as saying,
“We cannot be hamstrung or we cannot support a system were the law is blackmailed when there is an international event.
“People wan to break the law in the hope that if they are allowed to break the law they can do what they want with impunity. If they are prevented from breaking the law they then rum to the newspapers and complain about the law being broken when no such thing has occured.”
By breaking the law, Marapara meant demonstrations by Civic Society Organisations (CSOs) and Opposition Parties that are being anticipated by the Government of Zanu-PF.
Several members of CSOs and Human Rights activities including 79 members of the opposition CCC have been arrested in the past month for unknown reasons.
Two tourists, Lucas Slavik, a Czeck and Tom Ssekamwa from Uganda were arrested in Masvingo around the 5th of this month.
Slavik was arrested for recording a video claiming that there was no water and electricity in the resort town, while Ssekamwa was arrested for possessing pornographic material. He was searched and found with a sex toy.
The two have been denied bail.
The 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit is scheduled to take place in Harare on August 17. The government’s decision to deploy soldiers in residential areas has raised concerns about civil liberties and the potential for human rights abuses.
“We understand the need for security, but this is excessive,” said a human rights activist.
“We urge the government to respect people’s rights and freedoms.”
Zim GBC News©2024