By Fanuel Chinowaita
Zimbabwe’s Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Misheck Mugadza, says security forces across the province have been placed on high alert ahead of planned demonstrations expected on 31 July, warning that authorities will act decisively against any violence or lawlessness.
In a statement released on Thursday, Mugadza urged residents to remain calm and lawful amid growing discussion on social media about the planned protests, saying his priority was the safety and security of people across Manicaland’s seven districts.
“My foremost concern is the safety, security, and well-being of every resident of this province. I therefore appeal to all citizens to remain peaceful, calm, and responsible,” Mugadza said.
He added that security agencies were fully prepared to respond to any disturbances.
“Our security forces across all the seven districts of Manicaland Province are fully prepared and remain on high alert to act decisively in order to curb and suppress all forms of violence and lawlessness,” he said.
The minister did not identify the organisers of the planned demonstrations or specify their demands. Instead, he appealed for disagreements to be expressed within the confines of the law.
“Differences of opinion should always be expressed in ways that respect the law and the rights of others,” Mugadza said.
He also warned residents against relying on unverified information circulating on social media, saying misinformation could fuel unnecessary panic.
“Social media can spread rumours and misinformation very quickly, creating unnecessary fear and confusion. I urge everyone to rely only on credible and official sources of information,” he said.
The statement comes against a politically sensitive backdrop, with Zimbabwe experiencing heightened public debate following the enactment of Constitution Amendment Act No. 3. Mugadza congratulated President Emmerson Mnangagwa on what he described as the successful passage of the legislation, calling it an important national milestone.
The constitutional amendment has generated criticism from some opposition parties, lawyers and civil society organisations, who argue that it alters key constitutional provisions relating to governance and the judiciary. Government officials, however, have defended the law as a legitimate constitutional reform.
Addressing young people, Mugadza urged them to reject violence and instead focus on education, entrepreneurship and national development.
“Our youth are the future of this nation. I encourage them to channel their energy into advancing education, growing businesses and building a prosperous Zimbabwe rather than engaging in acts that threaten peace,” he said.
He also called on traditional leaders, churches, parents and community leaders to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Although authorities have acknowledged reports of planned demonstrations on 31 July, they have not publicly identified any political party, civic organisation or activist group responsible for organising the protests. It also remains unclear whether police have received formal notification of any public gatherings.
As the planned demonstration date approaches, Manicaland remains under heightened security, with provincial authorities insisting they will safeguard public order while urging residents to maintain peace and avoid actions that could lead to violence.
Mugadza concluded his appeal by calling for unity and restraint.
“Let us stand together in unity, mutual respect and peace for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.