Police warn against illegal gatherings as MDC-T maps way forward

POLICE have warned politicians and the media to desist from inciting lawlessness intended to cause chaos and mayhem in the country during the post-election period. Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba yesterday said violence was harmful to the country.

"We want to warn politicians who are considering this option of inciting Zimbabweans into mass protests that it is not good for the country," she said.

"Politicians should not blame the police when they find themselves on the wrong side of the law."

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said police would not hesitate to deal with anyone who incited violence and would act accordingly to restore order.

Some analysts have said the law should take its course on losing MDC-T politicians following their utterances of threatening to incite violence to render the country ungovernable.

MDC-T spokesperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora, who lost Nyanga North constituency to Hurbert Nyanhongo, said his party could take to the streets to protest against the victory of President Mugabe and Zanu-PF in the just-ended harmonised elections.

MDC-T treasurer and fugitive, Mr Roy Bennett also posted on his Facebook wall urging people to reject the outcome and resort to civil protests.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said Zimbabweans are law abiding citizens hence they should not be used by some misguided politicians.

"We also urge the media to report responsibly and objectively and not to incite lawlessness intended to cause chaos and mayhem in the country," she said.

"We would like to repeat our call to all stakeholders to allow Zec to do their job unhindered."

Police are already on full alert and have mounted roadblocks on most roads countrywide, stopping motorists and searching them especially on roads leading to city centres.

No cases of disturbances have been reported.