HARARE- Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba has clarified that he does not have the authority to permit or prohibit peaceful protests in the country.
His remarks came in response to a notification from the “Concerned Citizens of Zimbabwe,” who had informed the police of their intention to hold nationwide protests on Thursday, 20 March 2025. The demonstrations are aimed at highlighting the government’s failure to address ongoing economic challenges.
In a letter dated 18 March 2025, shared on the ZRP’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, Mutamba stated that the notification was misdirected. He wrote:
“Reference is made to correspondence dated 14 March 2025 on the above subject, which was served at my office on the same date at 15:37 hours.
Having reviewed the said correspondence, particularly noting that the authors intended to ‘notify the Joint Operations Command (JOC)’ of a planned nationwide peaceful demonstration, I am certain that it has been misdirected to my office.”
The Joint Operations Command (JOC) is a high-level security body comprising senior officials from the Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, ZRP, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, and the Central Intelligence Organisation.
Mutamba emphasized that the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) does not place his office in charge of regulating mass gatherings such as protests. He added:
“The Legislature, in its wisdom, through the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) (Chapter 11:23), excludes my office from regulating public gatherings and demonstrations.
MOPA clearly outlines how these rights must be exercised. I, therefore, urge the concerned citizens, through their representatives, to ensure full compliance with the laws of Zimbabwe.”
Under MOPA, organisers of public gatherings, including demonstrations and processions, must notify the police in advance. The law allows authorities to impose conditions on gatherings to prevent potential disorder. Organisers may also be held accountable for any damages or injuries arising from the event if they fail to take necessary precautions.
