Zimbabwe issues 2-week protest ban amid tension

By John Cassim

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AA) – A demonstration scheduled for Friday in the Zimbabwean capital by 18 opposition political parties has been postponed as authorities have issued a two-week ban against demonstrations in Harare.

Meanwhile, according to local media, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is allegedly undergoing treatment in Dubai.

“Believing on reasonable grounds that the powers conferred by Public Order and Security Act, Chapter 11:17 will not be sufficient to protect public disorder,” a police order read, “Harare Central Police District hereby issues this order prohibiting for a period of two weeks from the 2nd September to 16th September 2016, the holding of all public demonstrations.”

On Friday afternoon, the legal team from the opposition parties lodged an appeal with the High Court.

Meanwhile, the situation remained calm but tense in Harare, with a few skirmishes recorded in smaller towns.

High police presence remained visible in the country, with truckloads of armed police everywhere and several water canons deployed in towns.

On Friday morning, 10 of the 70 protesters arrested last week in Harare, were released on a $50 bail.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights took a swipe at the police over their alleged brutal conduct.

“It’s shocking to find journalists being arrested for executing their duties, something that really requires some form of admonishment, from all progressing societies in the country,” lawyer Harrison Nkomo said soon after journalist James Jemwa was granted bail in Harare.