Tinotenda Hove- Mashonaland East provincial authorities have strongly rejected planned demonstrations scheduled for July 31, warning that security forces are prepared to respond to anyone they accuse of attempting to disrupt peace and stability in the province.

Addressing journalists in Marondera on Wednesday, Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo described the planned protests as unjustified, arguing that they were being driven by a small group seeking to undermine constitutional processes.

“The calls are unfortunate, misplaced and an attempt to subvert the will of the majority by an insignificant minority who feel they cannot accept the outcome of a constitutional democratic legislative process duly concluded in terms of our law,” Ndudzo said.

The minister said the province would not tolerate actions that could threaten businesses or public order, insisting that law enforcement agencies were on high alert.
“Let me take this opportunity to assure all the residents of our beautiful province that our security forces stand ready to protect our people, property and business against those bent on disturbing the peaceful environment that has been a defining hallmark of our province,” he said.

Ndudzo revealed that provincial leaders recently met business executives in Marondera, claiming they had praised the prevailing operating environment under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

“As recently as yesterday, we had a business breakfast meeting with all major captains of industry and business in Marondera, who expressed great appreciation of the enabling environment that has been accorded to them under the able leadership of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa,” he said.

He added that authorities would resist any attempts to damage the province’s image.
“The leadership of business in our province, among other things, cherished the peaceful environment that has made business easy to conduct. To that end, we will not allow a tyrant minority to attempt to present a wrong perception on the image of our province,” Ndudzo said.

The minister also warned that security agencies were prepared to confront individuals they believe may travel into Mashonaland East to participate in the demonstrations.

“Our security agents are also aware and ready to deal with malcontents from outside the province who intend to come and foment chaos in the province. Such malcontents will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

Ndudzo congratulated residents over the passage of Constitution Amendment Act No. 3 of 2026 and urged citizens to reject calls for demonstrations in favour of economic development.

“I urge all of our people to shun any calls to demonstrate and expend our energies towards development and growing our provincial gross domestic product (GDP) as we contribute to national development under the Presidential clarion call, ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’,” he said.

The government’s hardline response comes amid heightened political tensions ahead of the planned demonstrations, with critics arguing that repeated warnings from authorities risk being viewed as an attempt to discourage citizens from exercising constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and expression. Supporters of the government’s position, however, maintain that preserving peace, stability and economic activity should remain the country’s priority.