THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has blocked a solidarity march in support of Venezuela that was scheduled for Harare, organised by a coalition of civic society organisations and activists under the umbrella Zimbabwe Solidarity Movement (ZSM).
The solidarity march was aimed at condemning the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela and the detention of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores early this month.
According to ZSM principal officer, Obert Masaraure, the group intended to march to the United States embassy in Harare on February 3 to condemn the abduction of Maduro and his wife.
In a letter dated January 28, 2026, addressed to Masaraure, Chief Superintendent Officer Commanding Police, one Mugaranemo, said the proposed march did not meet the provisions of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Mopa).
“However, upon further scrutiny of your notice and Mopa [Chapter 11:23], and after seeking legal guidance, I have noted that your notice does not fully comply with the mandatory provisions of the Act. I, therefore, urge you to fully comply with these provisions,” the letter read.
ZRP had initially directed Masaraure to seek permission from the Foreign Affairs ministry.
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In a statement, Masaraure said ZSM would proceed with the solidarity march if the police failed to provide a lawful written response within the statutory timeframe.
“Accordingly, unless we receive a lawful written response within the prescribed timeframe, we shall proceed on the understanding that the procession scheduled for February 3, 2026, stands as notified,” Masaraure said.
He indicated that seeking ministerial clearance as requested by the ZRP was unnecessary.
“We respectfully place it on record that there is no provision in the Mopa [Chapter 11:23] that obliges organisers of a peaceful procession to seek permission from any ministry,” he said.
“The law requires notification to the regulating authority, which in this instance is the ZRP and not ministerial clearance.”
Government has reportedly avoided commenting on the Venezuela crisis.
