MDC-Alliance cancels public meeting
MDC- ALLIANCE has cancelled its planned public meeting that was scheduled for Africa Unity Square today after police had granted the party the nod to use the open space near the Harare Show Grounds.
Last night the party wrote to the police advising them that they had cancelled the rally.
“The MDC is writing the letter informing you of the cancellation of our programme which was scheduled for the Zimbabwe Show grounds tomorrow (today) Wednesday 20 November 2019. Thank you for your cooperation,” read the letter addressed to the Officer Commanding ZRP Harare Central Police Station.
Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the latest development last night.
“These guys had notified the police about the intended public meeting to deliver their statements in Africa Unity square tomorrow,” he said.
‘‘We held consultative meetings in terms of MOPA (Maintenance of Peace and Order Act) and police allowed them. It is on record.”
Asst Comm Nyathi said the only thing that was discussed between them and the MDC A was security issues to do with the venue they had chosen.
“After the discussion, they reasoned well and went on to agree with the regulator for Harare central police station to shift venue to the Show Ground,” he said.
“Just now they are submitting a letter to the regulator advising of their decision to cancel the public meeting.”
Asst Comm Nyathi said Government never banned the MDC from holding public meetings, but the party was bent on peddling falsehoods giving a narrative that police are banning their rallies.