Nyore Madzianike
POLICE have challenged CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi to present himself to the CID Law and Order Department with official confirmation from the court to prove he was cleared of charges of attempting to overthrow a constitutionally elected Government in 2019 through a series of illegal demonstrations.
Mkwananzi placed himself on the police wanted list after he escaped arrest in Harare yesterday after they attempted to apprehend him while addressing a press conference.
Mkwananzi, who was leading a bunch of political activists under the banner Tajamuka/Sesijikile, is said to have called for unsanctioned protests in June 2019 to push for the ouster of President Mnangagwa.
His calls for illegal protests failed dismally and he was later arrested and taken to the Harare Magistrates’ Court charged with attempting to subvert a constitutionally elected Government and another count of inciting public violence.
Mkwananzi, it has emerged, was issued with a warrant of arrest on April 22, 2020 after failing to appear in court for the hearing.
Yesterday, Mkwananzi, through the help of his party colleagues, escaped when the police attempted to apprehend him while addressing a press conference at Sapes Trust in Harare.
He then went on social media, bragging that the court had cleared him of the offences.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Mkwananzi is playing cat and mouse with the police.
“The warrant of arrest is valid. If he claims he was cleared of the offences, let him come to the police CID Law and Order Department with confirmation that the matters were completed at court.
“As far as we are concerned, the warrant of arrest is still valid and effective,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that Promise Dalubuhle Mkwananzi is being sought in connection with a warrant of arrest issued by Harare Magistrates Court on 22nd April 2020 for defaulting court proceedings.
“Promise Dulubuhle Mkwananzi is facing incitement to commit public violence charges under Harare Central CR2627/07/19 and Harare Public Prosecutor reference 11394/2019,” added Asst Comm Nyathi.
Circumstances leading to Mkwananzi’s arrest were that between June 1 and June 30 in 2019, in Harare, he organised a press conference where he incited the public to overthrow the constitutionally elected Government of Zimbabwe through violent means.
During the said press conference, Mkwananzi allegedly said: “We are calling for a shutdown of Zimbabwe commencing on July 1 to July 5 2019. During that period, we expect Mnangagwa to address the nation and do something about the rampaging political crisis and untold economic hardships facing the generality of our people.
“Mnangagwa has two choices before him: to resign and allow Zimbabwe to move forward or to convene an all-inclusive national dialogue under the auspices of an independent and international mediator.”
Through his utterances, the State alleges, Mkwananzi called for the overthrow or attempt to overthrow the Government of Zimbabwe through unconstitutional means.
The State also alleged that during the same period and at the same press conference, Mkwananzi incited the public to engage in acts of public violence against the State.
“If President Mnangagwa refuses to yield to these demands, on July 6, 2019, the people of Zimbabwe will be left with no choice but to come out of their homes and march to the State House in Harare. For other cities, we will be updating you of where people will convene,” he allegedly said.
The State said his utterances had the potential of inciting the public to commit public disorder.