Zanu-PF warning ahead of key SADC summit

Leading Zanu-PF official Farai Marapira has sent out a warning to opposition political parties planning protests during August’s SADC Summit, saying the authorities are ready to deal with them decidedly. Marapira said they are prepared for any activity that would threaten peace before or during the summit which is to be held in Harare. New Zimbabwe reports that the summit will see President Emmerson Mnangagwa taking over leadership of the regional bloc, a position handed on a rotational basis among the 16 member states. ‘I am aware of certain rogue elements within the nation who are bent on peddling falsehoods and instigating acts of civil disorder, especially before during and after regional and world stage events,’ Mnangagwa told the party’s central committee. He expressed concern that ‘Kenyan-style’ protests could occur. ‘Opposition political parties have been at the forefront of tarnishing Zimbabwe’s image through theatrics and unfounded claims of torture, abduction, and forced disappearances,’ said Marapira.

Full New Zimbabwe report