By Fanuel Chinowaita
MUTARE, April 23, 2026 — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Mutare has issued a prohibition order blocking a public meeting organised by the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) that was scheduled for April 26 at Moffat Hall in Sakubva, following a tense pre-notification engagement between the two parties.
The prohibition notice, dated April 22 and signed by Superintendent M. Chibaya for the regulating authority, cited “credible information on oath” suggesting a potential threat of disorder at the gathering. The order, issued in terms of Section 8(10) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), directs organisers not to proceed with the meeting, warning of prosecution for non-compliance.
The ban came shortly after a closed-door meeting held at ZRP Mutare District offices between CDF representatives and senior police officers, where both sides debated the legality and security implications of the planned event.
According to an internal report from the meeting, police tabled three affidavits from unnamed community members opposing the gathering.
The objections included concerns over the suitability of Sakubva as a venue, claims that the meeting could disturb community peace, and fears of possible property damage.
One affidavit reportedly argued that since many residents had expressed support for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 during consultations held at Beit Hall, hosting a potentially opposing meeting in Sakubva could trigger tensions. Another warned of disruption to community peace, while a third raised doubts over the effectiveness of event marshals in preventing violence.
CDF Convener Godfrey Mubatsa strongly rejected the objections, arguing that they amounted to threats against lawful assembly rather than legitimate concerns.
He called on police to investigate the individuals behind the affidavits, accusing them of attempting to suppress dissenting views.
“No citizen has the right to deny others their constitutional freedoms to assemble and express themselves,” Mubatsa said during the meeting, according to the report.
He maintained that the organisation had complied fully with MOPA notification requirements and instead urged police to provide adequate security for the event.
CDF legal counsel Nyasha Gerald Mukonyora also challenged the basis of the objections, arguing that claims of possible violence were vague and unsubstantiated.
“The organisers have a right to know who exactly is threatening violence. Allegations cannot remain speculative,” he said, while emphasising that maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the police, not event organisers.
Mukonyora indicated that the organisation was willing to increase its team of marshals to 40 to assist with internal crowd control, in line with police recommendations.
Superintendent Chibaya had, during the meeting, undertaken to assess the situation on the ground and provide a formal response within 24 hours — a process that culminated in the issuance of the prohibition order.
The meeting, held between 1400hrs and 1500hrs, was described by attendees as tense but constructive, with both sides standing firm on their positions.
Despite the engagement, police ultimately ruled against the gathering, citing security concerns.
The development highlights growing tensions around public assemblies in Mutare, particularly those linked to debates on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, with authorities increasingly invoking MOPA provisions to regulate such meetings.