Heavy police presence in Harare amid threats of protests against president Mnangagwa

Zimbabwe remained calm on Friday despite widespread anticipation of protests dubbed the ‘Million Man March’, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reporting that peace and order had prevailed countrywide. While the country remained calm on Friday amid heightened security and expectations of protests, president Emmerson Mnangagwa was in Mutare, where he officially opened the Zanu-PF 22nd National People’s Conference at Mutare Polytechnic College. The gathering, attended by thousands of delegates from across the country, was described as a major moment on the ruling party’s political calendar, drawing together senior officials, provincial leaders, and party members to deliberate on national and organisational priorities. In a statement issued by the ZRP, national spokesperson commissioner Paul Nyathi assured citizens and visitors that comprehensive security measures had been implemented to safeguard peace “before, during and after 17 October 2025”. “The commissioner general of police (Stephen Mutamba) has deployed officers nationwide to protect the public and key infrastructure in all the provinces,” said Nyathi. The police urged Zimbabweans to go about their daily activities without fear, emphasising that all essential services – including schools, businesses, public transport, and government offices – would continue operating as normal. “Members of the public are implored to go about their daily activities without fear,” the statement notes. “All essential services, including schools, businesses, public transport, and government institutions, will continue to operate as usual.” The ZRP also warned against the spread of misinformation or incitement to violence on social media, saying any unlawful demonstrations or gatherings would be met “with the full wrath of the law”. “Acts of violence, threats, vandalism, or incitement to commit crime will be severely dealt with in line with the country’s laws,” the police warned. By Friday afternoon, IOL observed that major cities such as Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare remained largely peaceful, with no reports of protest activity. While authorities had braced for possible demonstrations called by political activist and war veteran Blessed Geza, an outspoken critic of Mnangagwa, the day passed quietly – suggesting either limited mobilisation or successful deterrence by law enforcement. – IOL News