Police clamp down on free speech

Police are increasingly invoking some obnoxious provisions of the Maintenance of Peace and Order (MOPO) Act to curtail citizens from exercising the right to freedom of assembly and association.

At Beitbridge Magistrates Court, Elliot Mabeza, a resident, was set free on $10 000 bail after he appeared in court charged with failure to give notice to police of a gathering as defined in Section 7(1)(a) of the MOPO Act.

Mabeza, who was arrested on March 29 2022, was accused of organising a political campaign rally for the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change party which was held on March13, 2022.

He returns to court on April 27 2022.

In Chegutu, Magistrate Paul Mudonhi set free Edson Muzira and Regis Mhishi on $10 000 bail each after they were charged for contravening the MOPO Act after they organised a CCC meeting without notifying the police.

Mudonhi also granted $5 000 bail to two Kadoma residents Nhamo Makaza and Dennis Murombedzi who appeared in court answering to charges of disorderly conduct.

Makaza and Murombedzi were accused of making noise with a public address system while campaigning for the CCC.

In Masvingo, Vigisai Norupandai, Aleck Tabe and Magie Chakabuda, were also charged with contravening the MOPO Act for allegedly failing to notify police of a CCC meeting held at Aphiri Vegetable Market.