Zimbabwe police ban proposed ZCTU protest march over 2 cents tax

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has banned the proposed march called by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, the country’s largest labour body, over the proposed two cents per dollar tax on transactions.

The march was scheduled for Thursday.

Police spokesman Paul Nyathi said the directive by the Ministry of Health and Child Care and Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to ban public gatherings in the Central Business Districts and other public areas still stands.

“Therefore, the organisers of the intended demonstrations by ZCTU and its affiliates should take note of the Government’s directive particularly the movement of large numbers of people from one point to another which includes cholera epicentres,” he said.

“The on-going operation by local authorities and other stakeholders has indicated that the cholera outbreak is not yet over particularly in Harare.

“Members of the public are accordingly warned that if anything turns nasty those organising the demonstrations will be held responsible, especially with regards to the maintenance of law and order.”

Nyathi said police were therefore urging members of the public to continue observing peace and allowing the security services and other stakeholders to ensure that there is security and order as the relevant authorities step up efforts to end the cholera outbreak.

Cholera killed 49 people and another 10 000 were affected.

Celebrations for the 19^th anniversary of the Movement for Democratic Change at which leader Nelson Chamisa wanted to inaugurate himself were cancelled because of the cholera outbreak.

A graduation at the University of Zimbabwe that was also postponed.

The two cents tax was proposed last week but will only be implemented after it has been gazette.

The tax is being blamed for the recent spike in prices of commodities and transport but some people are asking whether the price increases are really due to the mere announcement of the tax as it has not yet been implemented.

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