By Alois Vinga
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) recently banned a workers gathering on social justice citing the event organisers did not comply with provisions of the law.
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) was scheduled to host workers from affiliate trade unions and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) last Thursday to deliberate on Social Justice and Globalisation issues.
Responding to the request to hold the event, ZRP’s Officer Commanding Harare, Chief Superintendent M. Mumanyi turned down the request.
“The above matter is pertinent. Your application to hold awareness on ILO on ILO Declaration on social justice and Fair Globalisation at Raylton Sports Club on the 13th of November 2024 from 0930 hours to 15:00 hrs has been noted.
“This office brings to your attention that you did not fully comply with provisions of Section 7 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) Chapter 11: 23 therefore the notification is not sanctioned,” the letter read in part.
A veteran trade unionist who spoke to NewZimbabwe.com anonymously condemned the ban arguing it contravenes the law.
“This is a ploy to stifle workers from holding peaceful meetings and discussing issues affecting their constituency. The Law does not even require trade unions to seek police clearance in holding their events but only requires them to just notify. The ZRP has misinterpreted the MOPA which they continue to use against us.
“Surprisingly, even after numerous engagements on the status of trade unions, bans still come our way,” he said.
Efforts to get a comment on the matter from the ZRP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner, Paul Nyathi were fruitless.
MOPA was enacted in 2019 as part of the government’s efforts to repeal the Public Order and Security Act following an outcry over its repressiveness.
However, several stakeholders have condemned the MOPA after previous draconian clauses were retained.