By Correspondent
Police in Masvingo have dismissed reports of an imminent curfew operation dubbed Unoendepi, as alleged by a local councilor.
Reports of the curfew were awash on social media groups following a message from Ward 3 councillor Rockford Kamuzonda alerting people of the curfew to be enforced by police from 24 November.
“Good morning residents pliz udzanai kuma raini kwamugere kuti kuchange kuine Oparation Unoendepi kutanga musi wa 24 November nguva dzamanheru 11:00 pm kusvika 3 am.
“Saka wabatwa hake yava yakewo,” he said.
(Good Morning residents please pass this message to your neighbours that Police will be enforcing a curfew from 24 November starting at 11pm to 3am.
Those who will be caught are on their own),” Clr Kamuzonda posted on various groups.
The post ignited debate with residents questioning the legality of the order as not constitutional and prohibiting their freedom of movement.
However, Clr Kamuzonda stuck to his guns and said the order was done by the police to curb the surge of robberies in the city.
“We had to engage the police because citizens are being robbed every day and with the festive season upon us the operation is necessary to safe-guard their properties,” Clr Kamuzonda said.
However, when Open Council reached out to Masvingo Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, he denied the news.
“That’s a lie. There will be no curfew in the city unless it has been announced at national level.
“That announcement did not come from the police. There will be no curfew in Masvingo,” the Inspector said.