Mudenda to talk to Mnangagwa to regularize the deployment of soldiers

That is the reason why I am rising Mr. Speaker, that as Parliament, it is our duty and obligation to ensure that at all times as a nation; we follow the dictates and the provisions of our Constitution.  Where there is an element of doubt and where there is lack of clarity, it is important for us as Parliament to ascertain, verify and clarify so that all of us are in the picture as to whether we have indeed followed the provisions of the Constitution.  That is my concern Mr. Speaker and that is the reason why I have reason with this matter of privilege, to have this clarified for us as to whether in fact it was the Head of State who gave that authority because it does not appear to have been done in accordance with the Constitution.  I thank you Mr. Speaker.

THE HON. SPEAKER:   While you are upstanding, can you clarify which deployment you are talking about.

HON. GONESE: The deployment in the country Mr. Speaker.  We have members of the Defence Forces – they are assisting the police as I have already pointed out. The Constitution allows for that, but only in the circumstances where the Head of State has authorised that course of action.  I am saying that as Parliament, we have not been officially informed by the Head of State, and the nation at large has not received any notification.  I believe that if that happens, due process must be followed.  The Head of State could have addressed the nation in that regard or a Statutory Instrument could have been gazetted or a general notice to inform the nation at large – that does not seem to have happened and that is what is the gravamen of the matter.  Because, when that happens Mr. Speaker, I would like to assume that things must be done transparently and openly.  For it to be done transparently and openly, the public must be notified in some way which I am not aware of Mr. Speaker.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Order, order.  You have not contextualised your observation Hon. Member.  Can you be more specific?

HON. GONESE:  I will do so Mr. Speaker. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –

HON. GONESE:  Let me go back to the provisions of the Constitution.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Order, order.  I am very clear of the provisions of 213.

HON. GONESE:  Thank you Mr. Speaker.  So, in view of those provisions which are very clear, my submission is that when you have members of the Defence Forces performing the duties that they are performing, that amounts to a deployment.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  You mean now?

HON. GONESE:  Yes, I mean now Mr. Speaker.

THE HON. SPEAKER: Okay.

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