Govt cancels security forces’ leave

*…as tension grips Zim ahead of protests*

GOVERNMENT has recalled security forces from leave on the eleventh hour, ordering them to report for duty “immediately” ahead of today’s planned protests.

The demonstrations, called by expelled Zanu PF central committee member and war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, are targeted at President Emmerson Mnangagwa with calls for the 82-year-old leader to resign over allegations of corruption, tribalism and economic mismanagement.

Soldiers, who spoke yesterday, revealed that they were given a strict deadline, with instruction to report for duty by 9am at the latest, after being recalled through phone calls.

Sources also said that the soldiers were on “100% standby for a five-minute move.”

“This means that everyone will be on duty and ready to react within five minutes if there is a call,” a source said.

“Several officers, who were on leave, were this morning called and ordered to report for duty.

“Some had ignored the calls which were made about a fortnight ago. But today (yesterday) everyone has been ordered to cut short their leave and report for duty.”

In addition to the recall of security forces, the government has also tightened security ahead of the planned protests.

Police have increased patrols and set up roadblocks on major roads leading to the capital, Harare, to prevent protesters from gathering.

The security forces reportedly received an advance salary, with police officers receiving US$50 while their counterparts in the armed forced received US$100.

Motorists have complained of frustrations due to roadblocks, which have caused significant delays and disruptions to traffic flow.

At some roadblocks, traffic stretched back for over a kilometre, leaving commuters frustrated.

But national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that people are free to do their normal business.

“Members of the public should ignore social media messages that are being circulated because some of them border on criminality,” Nyathi said.

“Police are investigating and action will be taken against those identified. We urge members of the public to continue with their day-to-day activities because the police are there to ensure that peace in maintained.

“Law and order security is there, so, people are free to go about their activities without any interference and intimidation. If members of the public have concerns, they are free to address them to the commissioner-general of the police.”

Over the weekend, government ministers and police officers held a series of Press conferences, warning members of the public against participating in the protest.

They claimed that the demonstration was unauthorised and will be met with force, urging citizens to remain calm and go about their business as usual.

Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe described the protest as “acts of terrorism.”

“The government of Zimbabwe unreservedly denounces acts of terrorism and violence which unruly elements, supported by a fringe group living outside the country, intend to perpetrate on individuals and properties thereby threatening the safety of the general public,” Kazembe said in his address.

“The country’s security services firmly stand on the side of law and order and will not hesitate to take decisive action.”

However, despite Geza’s calls for action, ordinary citizens have expressed scepticism about participating in the protests, fearing violent clashes between protesters and security forces.

Tension has been high in the runup to the planned protests, with vehicles burnt at premises or offices owned by former central bank governor John Mangudya, businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei and tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo on Friday last week, in what Geza said signalled what was to come.

The ruling Zanu PF party has vowed to thwart the protest they say is meant to destabilise the country.

“Your Excellency, no demonstration will take place. We will not be swayed and frightened by social media,” the party’s deputy secretary for youth affairs John Paradza said at the launch of the youth empowerment fund in Harare about a fortnight ago. Newsday