By Promise Dube
Forty Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporters, including aspiring MP for Glenview South Gladmore Hakata, were arrested in Harare’s Machipisa suburb on Tuesday for allegedly holding an unsanctioned car procession to solicit support ahead of the upcoming elections.
The police confirmed the arrests in a statement, saying that the activists had contravened the Maintenance of Order and Peace Act, Chapter 11:23 (MOPA).
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of 40 Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) activists in Machipisa this afternoon for contravening provisions of the Maintenance of Order and Peace Act, Chapter 11:23 (MOPA),” police said in a statement.
The police said that the CCC had notified the local regulating authority for Harare South of a rally to be held at Churu Farm on August 15, 2023, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
However, the activists allegedly diverted from the rally and went on a car procession through Glen View, High Glen Road, Main Street, Machipisa Road, and into Highfield suburb.
They stopped at the OK Machipisa traffic lights and blocked traffic while chanting party slogans and singing.
The police said that a “concerned” citizen had made an official report about the incident
“Police reacted and arrested 40 CCC activists who were led by Gladmore Hakata. Hakata actually scuffled with the police officers as they effected arrests,” the police said.
