However, Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena denied that officers were being coerced to sign the petition.
“The anti-sanctions program-me is a voluntary exercise,” said Bvudzijena. “There is nothing like that (forced to sign).”
The launch was held at Stanley Square in Makokoba suburb and was attended by over 1 000 people, mostly Zanu PF supporters and members of the security services.
Sources said prior to the launch of the programme, Officer Commanding Bulawayo, Senior Assistant Commissioner Stephen Mutamba had allegedly sent a directive to police camps in the city, urging officers and their spouses to attend the function.
Officers who spoke to The Standard confirmed being forced to attend the launch and sign the petition or risk censure.
“We were under order to attend the launch at Makokoba,” said one police officer who requested anonymity. “It was not mentioned how those who do not attend to append their signatures will be identified and censured.”
Another officer added: “Authorities at various police stations in the city were moving around police residences at police stations to check on those who did not sign the anti-sanctions petition and urging them to go and sign.”
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
The report of police officers being forced to sign the anti-sanctions petition comes soon after villagers countrywide complained about being coerced to do the same. Even journalists from the state media have appended their signatures to the anti-sanction document mostly under duress.
President Robert Mugabe, who launched the anti-sanctions campaign in Harare recently, said over two million signatures were required to push for the lifting of the sanctions imposed by the West and the European Union.
Zanu PF said the petition would be submitted to the Southern African Development Community which would be asked to take it to the African Union. The continental body in turn is expected to speak with one voice on the matter at the United Nations.
