MDC-T's Bindura protest cleared

THE High Court has ordered police in Bindura to allow the opposition MDC-T to go ahead with its planned protest march in the Mashonaland Central capital this Friday.

High Court judge Justice Jesta Charehwa made the ruling over the weekend after police attempted to block the demonstration citing security concerns, prompting the opposition party to seek an interdict order through its lawyer Ernest Jena of Jena and Associates.

This came as the MDC-T continues to roll out protest marches in all parts of the country as part of efforts to force President Robert Mugabe's Zanu PF-led government to quit over its failed policies. To date, MDC-T supporters have held similar demonstrations in Harare and Bulawayo.

On June 25, the party plans to hold another protest march in Mutare where members have reportedly embarked on a door-to-door campaign to ensure a large turnout.

The demonstration was initially slated for June 13, but was deferred to June 25 to allow opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who has been unwell and admitted at a private South African hospital, to attend.

MDC-T shadow home affairs minister Giles Mutsekwa urged other opposition parties to join in the protest march.

"We are now aware that other wards have since started door-to-door mobilisation for the demonstration, other wards will start in the upcoming week. This demonstration is not only for our party and we are urging other political parties to join us," he said.

Mutsekwa also applauded the stance taken by different church organisations to speak against Mugabe's alleged misrule.

"The role of churches is not only to say to people bring money, but all to stand for their people if they are oppressed. Church leaders should not fear to stand for their people and l am happy that churches have finally seen the light," he said.