ZRP Commissioner Denies Role in Approving Nationwide Protests Amid Economic Crisis

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba has stated that he does not have the authority to approve or prohibit peaceful demonstrations in the country.

His remarks came in response to a notification from the “Concerned Citizens of Zimbabwe,” who had informed him of their plans to hold nationwide protests on March 20, 2025, citing economic challenges under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

In a letter dated March 18, 2025, shared on the ZRP’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, Mutamba clarified that the group had mistakenly directed their communication to his office. He stated:

Reference is made to a correspondence dated 14 March 2025 on the above subject, which was served at my office on the same date at 1537 hours.

Having perused the said correspondence, and particularly noting that the author(s) intended to ‘notify the Joint Operations Command (JOC)’ of an intended ‘peaceful demonstration countrywide’, I am certain that it has been misdirected to my office.

JOC, a high-level security body, is composed of senior officials from the Zimbabwe National Army, the Air Force of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, and the Central Intelligence Organisation.

Mutamba further explained that the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) excludes his office from regulating mass gatherings, including demonstrations. He said:

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.

In fact, 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. Be guided accordingly.

According to MOPA, organisers of public gatherings, including protests and processions, must notify the police beforehand. The police have the authority to impose conditions to maintain public order and can hold organisers accountable for any damages or injuries resulting from the event if they fail to take necessary precautions.

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