Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Kazembe Kazembe has warned against planned demonstrations, on July 31 over Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), saying security agencies are on high alert and will act against any attempts to disrupt public order.
Speaking to State media, Minister Kazembe, who is also Zanu PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairperson, said Zimbabwe’s law enforcement agencies would not tolerate unlawful demonstrations.
“This is a country with laws. This is a country with law enforcement agencies. I can assure you that nothing of that sort will happen. Law enforcement agents will be ready and waiting,” he said.
“This is not a banana republic. It is a peaceful country governed by the rule of law. People expressed their views and the constitutional processes were followed. Anyone thinking of causing disturbances on July 31 is mistaken.”
The minister said authorities were prepared to deal decisively with any attempts to undermine peace.
“People are free to express themselves on social media, but as a country we are ready to deal with any mischief. Zimbabwe is a peaceful nation and there will be peace and tranquility on July 31,” he said.
His remarks come amid heightened political debate following President Mnangagwa’s assent to Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, one of the most significant constitutional changes since the adoption of the 2013 Constitution.
The planned protests have been called by opposition activists and constitutional campaigners who oppose the recently enacted CAA3 amendment, arguing that it weakens democratic governance and constitutional safeguard arguing that it expands presidential powers, weakens constitutional checks and balances, and compromises judicial independence.
With July 31 approaching, attention is now focused on whether the planned demonstrations will proceed, as authorities insist any public gatherings must comply with the law while security agencies remain on alert to maintain public order.
