HARARE – Vice President General (Retired) Constantino Chiwenga has issued a stern warning against individuals and groups circulating messages calling for a mass demonstration on 17 October 2025, describing the planned protest as “unlawful, irresponsible, and unacceptable.”
In a strongly worded statement released through the Department of Presidential Communications, Chiwenga said the Government of Zimbabwe would not tolerate any attempts to destabilise national peace and security, vowing that law enforcement agencies would deal decisively with those behind the planned protest.
“Zimbabwe is a nation built on law and order, and no one is above the law,” Chiwenga said. “Those who seek to sow division, incite violence, or provoke public disorder are enemies of progress and will face the full consequences of their actions.”
The Vice President distanced himself from the organisers of the planned demonstration, saying he neither supports nor condones any activities that threaten national unity or undermine the authority of the state.
“Let me state categorically: the planned demonstration is unauthorised and illegal. Any person found organising, promoting, or participating in these illegal activities will be arrested and prosecuted without hesitation. The long arm of the law will catch up with all those bent on fermenting chaos,” he warned.
Chiwenga urged citizens to disregard calls for protest and continue with their normal day-to-day activities, cautioning against being misled by “elements whose sole agenda is to cause instability and tarnish the image of our country.”
He further emphasised that the country’s security services were on full alert to ensure peace, protect property, and uphold the authority of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
“Law enforcement agencies are on full alert and will act decisively to maintain peace, protect lives and property, and uphold the authority of the State and His Excellency Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa,” the statement read.
The Vice President concluded by calling for vigilance and patriotism among citizens:
“Let us remain steadfast, vigilant, and committed to safeguarding the hard-won peace and stability of our nation.”
The statement comes amid heightened political tensions following recent internal divisions within ZANU PF and growing online mobilisation by opposition and civic groups.
The post Chiwenga Distances Himself from Planned Nation-Wide Protests Against Mnangagwa first appeared on The Zimbabwe Mail.