POLICE in Midlands have blocked Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator, Corban Madzivanyika, from holding a consultation and feedback meeting in his constituency.
Madzivanyika wrote to the Officer Commanding Kwekwe district on March 2 requesting authority to hold the meeting in his Mbizo constituency.
The meeting was scheduled for yesterday at the MP’s Mbizo 12 office.
In the letter, Madzivanyika emphasised that the meeting was meant to give feedback to people in the constituency.
“This is not a political meeting and all members from all walks of life in Mbizo are welcome,” Madzivanyika wrote.
Kwekwe district one Chief Superintendent E Chishiri said the meeting cannot be sanctioned.
In his response dated March 6, Chishiri said there was a likelihood of the meeting turning violent.
“Through our intelligence, we are reliably informed that the meeting will be disrupted due to political divisions and tensions in the area,” Chishiri said.
- News in depth: Fears of violent 2023 polls grow as ED fails to deliver on promises
- Chamisa party defiant after ban
- Letter to my people: Mthuli Ncube experiment has failed
- News in depth: Slain Moreblessing Ali’s family fears cover-up as children are forced into hiding
Keep Reading
“In that regard, the environment will not be conducive for constrictive dialogue and instead will be hijacked by political interests.”
Chishiri also said the police were short of manpower to provide security.
“Furthermore, if the need arises which warrants police coverage and intervention, the police will not be able to provide adequate security for the meeting due to other national commitments,” the letter reads.
“In fact, the majority of our police officers in the district in particular and province at large are currently undergoining public order training for the 2025 national Independence Day celebrations to be held in the province.”
The Independence Day celebrations are set for Gokwe.
Madzivanyika protested the move to ban the meeting saying it undermined his work as a representative of the people.
“It undermines the accountability of elected representatives to their constituencies which is a serious aspect for good and democratic governance,” he told The Standard yesterday.
“The move by the police undermines the fundamental role of the people and their constituents’ interest.
“What is more disturbing is that this is the third time that the police reject my notification to meet the electorate since I was elected in August 2023.”
Incidentally, Zanu PF members have been having their meetings and public gatherings without interference from policing authorities.
