Police Block MDC-T Extraordinary Congress

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has blocked the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T from holding the Supreme Court-sanctioned Extraordinary Congress (EOC) which was scheduled for this Friday.

In a letter dated 21 July 2020 and addressed to MDC-T acting secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora, ZRP Chief Staff Officer Commissioner I.M. Tayengwa said the congress cannot go ahead due to COVID-19. The letter read in part:

Be kindly advised that due to COVID-19 cases that are on the increase especially local transmissions, it has been found necessary to tighten lockdown regulations to prevent the spread of the pandemic across the country.

To this end, you are advised not to go ahead with your congress.

In March, the Supreme Court the MDC-T to hold an EOC within 90 days to elect the party’s substantive president to replace the late founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai who passed away on 14 February 2018.

Thokozani Khupe was declared the legitimate acting president and the Court ordered her to organise the congress.