By Munacho Gwamanda-Police bosses have reportedly instructed their juniors to refrain from beating protesters as discontent grows within the security sector over the worsening economic situation.
Sources within the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) brass told ZimEye that they have learned from the 2017 coup that Zanu PF factionalism can cost them their jobs, hence their reluctance to take sides in the current political turmoil.
A senior police officer (chief Superintendent) based in Mutare said they warned junior officers that if they used excessive force on protesters, they would be held individually accountable should victims file complaints against them.
“We have seen this before—if you side with any of the warring factions within the ruling party, you will be exposed when they eventually resolve their issues, and no one will protect you. So, we have advised our juniors accordingly,” he said.
Another top police officer in Bulawayo, (Commissioner) who is also a war veteran, echoed similar sentiments.
“We told officers to maintain peace and protect property, not to beat up anyone, as doing so will have consequences after the protests. In fact, we do not even know how the protests will end or who will emerge victorious in this political battle,” he said.
A Chief Superintendent based in Chinhoyi also emphasized the importance of neutrality.
“We reminded our officers that these are politically motivated protests with politicians fighting each other—not the police fighting the people. So, we told them to refrain from attacking innocent citizens and instead ensure there are no injuries, theft, or vandalism. We are happy that our officers here did not use excessive force,” he said.
Despite this internal resistance, police have intensified patrols in towns and cities following a nationwide shutdown triggered by national protests called by war veteran and former Zanu PF central committee member Blessed Geza.
The government’s reaction underscores President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s growing fears of public unrest spiraling out of control, reminiscent of the events that led to Robert Mugabe’s ouster in 2017.
On Monday, Harare police fired teargas canisters to disperse protesters, forcing them to flee into nearby streets.
Demonstrators clashed with security forces in running battles, highlighting the growing tension in the country.
The protest effectively shut down major cities, with businesses closed and learners staying home, testifying to its success.
The shutdown was most visible in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo, and Chinhoyi, where a heavy police presence underscored the government’s nervousness.
In Harare, anti-riot police violently dispersed protesters near the Harare Magistrates’ Court, firing teargas and engaging in skirmishes with demonstrators who retaliated by hurling stones.
Similar scenes played out in Mutare and Gweru, where students who showed up for school were turned away as teachers failed to report for duty.
Some schools in Harare were forced to cancel examinations due to the low turnout.
Despite the evident disruption, government officials downplayed the protest.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) dismissed the demonstrations as insignificant, blaming “a few rogue elements” for the unrest.
“The ZRP reiterates that the situation in Harare CBD is normal and calm, including at Robert Mugabe Square, where some social media sites are falsely claiming that there are people barricading roads with stones,” police posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“This is not correct. The public should ignore calls by individuals and syndicates through some social media sites to engage in unlawful public gathering activities. The police warn social media sites against the circulation of old videos to cause alarm and despondency in the country.”
However, opposition figures and civil society groups declared the protest a success, arguing that the deserted streets sent a strong message to authorities.
The government’s panicked response, with heightened security measures and dismissive rhetoric, reveals its deep-seated fears of an uprising similar to the 2017 coup that toppled Mugabe.
With growing public discontent and worsening economic conditions, Mnangagwa’s administration remains on edge, wary of any signs of a rebellion within the ruling party or the general populace.