PLZ warns against “illegal” October 17 protest

By Nigel Pfunde

Harare- A group identifying itself as Peace Loving Zimbabweans has issued a stern warning against the planned October 17 protest and said any attempt to remove President Emmerson Mnangagwa from power through unconstitutional means is illegal and punishable by law.

In a strongly worded statement dated October 13, Secretary General Gratitude Sithole cautioned Zimbabweans against participating in what he termed an “illegal protest” being allegedly organized by political activist Blessed Geza and others.

Sithole invoked examples from global failed coup attempts including Turkey’s 2016 mutiny, Spain’s 1981 Parliament siege and the 1991 Soviet Union uprising to warn that violent or coercive actions against a sitting government always end in failure and punishment.

“Demonstrations are legal if they remain peaceful,” the statement read. “Our Constitution protects the right to assemble and petition, but it does not protect violent or coercive attempts to remove a sitting President.”

He added that any property destruction or violence on October 17 would result in the organizers and their accomplices being held personally liable under Zimbabwean law.

Citing provisions of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (2019) and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Sithole said the government would treat any attempt to destabilize the country as a criminal offence.

He also urged the diplomatic community to respect Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, drawing parallels with the January 6 2021 incident in the United States when a mob stormed the Capitol Hill.

> “Should any foreign officials support the 17 October illegal protest, the government must deal with them in accordance with international law,” Sithole said.

The statement emphasized that leadership changes should occur through the ballot box and not through the streets, warning citizens that unconstitutional action “destroys lives, erodes institution and undermines democracy.

The October 17 demonstration has been circulating on social media platforms, though organizers have not formally confirmed whether it will proceed. Law enforcement authorities are yet to issue an official position on the planned protest.