News / Regional
Vic Falls under lockdown for Zanu PF conference
08 Dec 2015 at 14:07hrs | Views
Zimbabwe's prime resort area - Victoria Falls is under lockdown with hordes of state security details roaming the town ahead of Zanu PF's 15th Annual National People's Conference.
State agents started arriving on Sunday for preparations.
About 6000 delegates including foreigners are expected to attend.
Although the party top leadership including President Robert Mugabe and his wife are expected on Thursday, security it already tight.
Several locals said their normal life has been affected.
"The last time we had such security was during Mugabe's birthday bash early this year.
"However, what make this one worrisome is that it coincides with the festive season. Tourists not familiar with such security will be disturbed" said a source.
Tourism operators who spoke on condition of anonymity also expressed concern over the heightened security.
Most of the agents are said to be in plain clothes.
Foot and bicycle patrols have increased.
The conference will be opened on Friday by Mugabe and ends on Saturday.
In December 2011, security agents put Bulawayo on lockdown during a Zanu PF conference.
Helicopters were hovering over the city skyline and riot police, armed to the teeth, patrolled everywhere, creating a siege mentality in the area.
State agents started arriving on Sunday for preparations.
About 6000 delegates including foreigners are expected to attend.
Although the party top leadership including President Robert Mugabe and his wife are expected on Thursday, security it already tight.
Several locals said their normal life has been affected.
"The last time we had such security was during Mugabe's birthday bash early this year.
"However, what make this one worrisome is that it coincides with the festive season. Tourists not familiar with such security will be disturbed" said a source.
Tourism operators who spoke on condition of anonymity also expressed concern over the heightened security.
Most of the agents are said to be in plain clothes.
Foot and bicycle patrols have increased.
The conference will be opened on Friday by Mugabe and ends on Saturday.
In December 2011, security agents put Bulawayo on lockdown during a Zanu PF conference.
Helicopters were hovering over the city skyline and riot police, armed to the teeth, patrolled everywhere, creating a siege mentality in the area.
Source - Byo24News
