Masvingo man says police stopped PDP party launch rally after Australia return
Masvingo man says police stopped PDP party launch rally after Australia return
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A Zimbabwean who recently returned home after 15 years in Australia has alleged that police barred him from holding a rally to launch his new political party in Masvingo.
Benefit Chikomo, who said he leads the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), told Masvingo Mirror that Zimbabwe Republic Police officers stopped him from proceeding with an event at Mucheke Stadium on Saturday.
Chikomo said he notified ZRP Masvingo District Headquarters last Friday, but was later advised that the rally could not go ahead.
“I notified the police last Friday of my intention to hold a rally at Mucheke Stadium on Saturday as prescribed by law,” Chikomo said.
“The letter was submitted on time to give them time to consider it, but they called me on Wednesday and advised me that the rally cannot continue.”
He said the planned gathering was intended to officially launch the PDP and begin a national membership drive.
Chikomo accused the ruling party of using state institutions to limit political activity by opponents.
“This is a usual tactic being used by ZANU-PF to deny other political actors space,” he said.
He claimed the party already has more than 600 members and a 16-member interim leadership team led by him, adding that the group would continue mobilising despite the alleged setback.
“We are not fazed by this move. We will continue to mobilise and recruit members. Our motive is to remove ZANU-PF from power because Zimbabweans are suffering,” Chikomo said.
He also said he returned from Australia after 15 years “to fight for the freedom of Zimbabweans.”
The claims were reported by Masvingo Mirror and republished by Pindula News. No police statement was included in the material provided.
Political actors in Mashonaland Central have also previously raised concerns over access to venues and policing of gatherings, particularly during periods of heightened political activity, making the Masvingo allegations part of a wider national debate about political space and public order policing.
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