A local advocacy group, Peace-Loving Zimbabweans, has urged citizens to remain calm and avoid participating in the planned protests and demonstrations being called by embattled political activist, Blessed Geza.
The organization’s Secretary-General, Gratitude Sithole, reminded Zimbabweans that the Constitution protects the right to assemble and petition, but only if such actions are peaceful and lawful. He warned that violence or coercive attempts to remove a sitting President are illegal and punishable under the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (2019) and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
“Fellow Zimbabweans, remember July 2016 in Turkey when soldiers stormed the streets, tanks blocked bridges, and helicopters hovered over Parliament targeting President Tayyip Erdogan. The outcome was total failure. Violence never succeeds,” said Sithole.
He cautioned the diplomatic community against supporting illegal demonstrations.
“Should any foreign official support the planned October 17 protest, we urge the Government to deal with them in accordance with international law,” Sithole said.
He further urged citizens to express their opinions through lawful channels, such as petitions and peaceful protests, rather than through mobs or street action.
“Zimbabweans, your voice matters in petitions and lawful protests, not in chaos on the streets. The ballot decides leadership. Anything else is anarchy. Unconstitutional action destroys lives, erodes institutions, and undermines democracy,” he said.
Peace-Loving Zimbabweans called on all citizens to respect the law, maintain peace, and uphold the country’s democratic institutions.
