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Police Block Constitutional Defenders Forum Meeting In Bulawayo<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Tinashe Sambiri\u2013 The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has prevented the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) from holding two planned meetings in Bulawayo, originally scheduled for Njube Hall and Stanley Hall in Makokoba.<\/p>\n
CDF provincial organising secretary, Mlandu Ncube, had submitted notifications for the gatherings, but Chief Superintendent K. Nyaumwe, Officer Commanding Police Bulawayo West District, stated the requests were denied because they allegedly did not meet the requirements of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA).<\/p>\n
CDF convener Tendai Biti, along with the movement\u2019s deputy conveners, chairperson, and other members, had planned to meet residents to discuss what they termed urgent national concerns around defending the Constitution.<\/p>\n
In a statement released on Friday afternoon, CDF condemned the police action, insisting they had complied with all legal procedures for notifying authorities under MOPA. The forum said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is yet another attempt to shut down democratic space and silence citizens who are insisting on respect for constitutionalism and the rule of law.
\u201cThe recent police action must be seen in the broader context of ongoing intimidation and obstruction that CDF has faced over recent days, weeks, and months.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur members have endured harassment, meetings have been disrupted, and our leadership has been subjected to threats and surveillance.
\u201cThe siege at our Convener\u2019s offices and the presence of suspected state operatives reflect the same troubling pattern.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe blocking of peaceful Town Hall meetings only confirms what many citizens already suspect: democratic space is being systematically restricted because those in power fear the message of constitutional defence.\u201d<\/p>\n
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