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War veterans call for repeal of MOPA
3 hrs ago |
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The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has called for the immediate repeal of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), arguing that the law is being applied in ways that undermine constitutional rights.
In a statement issued on 6 April 2026, ZNLWVA Chairman Andrease Ethan Mathibela said the Act has drifted from its original purpose of maintaining public order and is now restricting fundamental freedoms.
The association expressed concern that provisions governing public gatherings have effectively shifted from a notification system to what it described as a "permission regime."
"We did not fight to replace one form of control with another," Mathibela said, emphasising that Zimbabwe's Constitution guarantees citizens the rights to assemble, associate and express themselves freely.
The war veterans' body acknowledged the need to maintain peace and order but stressed that enforcement must remain within constitutional limits. It argued that current implementation of MOPA grants excessive discretionary powers to law enforcement agencies, resulting in inconsistent and sometimes selective application.
Key concerns raised include alleged misuse of authority, a chilling effect on civic participation, and unequal enforcement of the law.
The ZNLWVA is now urging Government and Parliament to repeal MOPA and replace it with new legislation grounded in constitutional principles. The group has proposed the drafting of a rights‑based Public Order Management law through an inclusive national process.
The association noted that the issue affects all sectors of society - including workers, students, churches, vendors and community organisations - describing it as a national constitutional matter rather than a partisan one.
As part of its next steps, the ZNLWVA said it will engage citizens and civil society groups to build a broad platform advocating for reforms that promote both public order and constitutional freedoms.
The call, the association concluded, is aimed at ensuring that laws governing public gatherings serve the people and uphold Zimbabwe's democratic framework.
In a statement issued on 6 April 2026, ZNLWVA Chairman Andrease Ethan Mathibela said the Act has drifted from its original purpose of maintaining public order and is now restricting fundamental freedoms.
The association expressed concern that provisions governing public gatherings have effectively shifted from a notification system to what it described as a "permission regime."
"We did not fight to replace one form of control with another," Mathibela said, emphasising that Zimbabwe's Constitution guarantees citizens the rights to assemble, associate and express themselves freely.
The war veterans' body acknowledged the need to maintain peace and order but stressed that enforcement must remain within constitutional limits. It argued that current implementation of MOPA grants excessive discretionary powers to law enforcement agencies, resulting in inconsistent and sometimes selective application.
The ZNLWVA is now urging Government and Parliament to repeal MOPA and replace it with new legislation grounded in constitutional principles. The group has proposed the drafting of a rights‑based Public Order Management law through an inclusive national process.
The association noted that the issue affects all sectors of society - including workers, students, churches, vendors and community organisations - describing it as a national constitutional matter rather than a partisan one.
As part of its next steps, the ZNLWVA said it will engage citizens and civil society groups to build a broad platform advocating for reforms that promote both public order and constitutional freedoms.
The call, the association concluded, is aimed at ensuring that laws governing public gatherings serve the people and uphold Zimbabwe's democratic framework.
Source - Byo24News
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