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The police warning comes in the wake of statements by the MDC-T youth chairman for Bulawayo Province, Mr Bekithemba Nyathi, who insinuated in some sections of the media that his party was ready to face Zanu-PF youths. 
More than 6 000 delegates are expected to attend the                     party’s biggest event at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds.
In a statement yesterday, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo urged members of the public to maintain peace during the event and warned that police would deal decisively with the perpetrators.
“The police would like to send a strong warning to members of the public that they would not brook any form of violence before, during and after the Zanu-PF conference anticipated to be one of the largest gathering this year in Bulawayo,” said Insp Moyo.

“Some rogue elements of society always want to capitalise on large gatherings to display how uncouth and unreasonable they may become.
“Political gatherings are the best platforms of arraying critical tenets of democracy, freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of movement among others. Indeed it is time to give democracy a chance.”
Insp Moyo said the police would not take a back seat and watch while some unruly elements disturb the peace and tranquility in the beautiful City of Kings.

“The deputy officer commanding police in Bulawayo, Assistant Commissioner Christopher Gora, has reaffirmed our stance that police will not condone any action which is likely to disturb peace and the smooth running of the conference and threaten the security of delegates,” he said.
Insp Moyo said members of the public should not be afraid of being victimised and harassed for political reasons as police were in full force and ready to thwart any form of violence.

He said police officers have been deployed to every street to protect visitors and residents from the possibility of robberies and any criminal action.
Insp Moyo urged members of the public to desist from carrying firearms, knobkerries or performing any action likely to provoke violence during and after the conference.
He also urged delegates and party supporters, including the youth, to demonstrate a higher level of political maturity and maximum cooperation.

Meanwhile, Insp Moyo advised the public to ensure security of their property at the venue of the conference and in their houses by leaving a mature people in charge.
He said delegates should not leave valuables such as laptops in their cars and should always ensure that their property was secure.
Insp Moyo also urged drivers to abide by the traffic rules and regulations in order to avoid accidents.

The preparations for the conference have gathered momentum and last week the senior Zanu-PF leadership visited Bulawayo where they expressed satisfaction with the preparations.
This year’s conference will run under the theme “Defending national sovereignty, consolidating indigenisation and economic empowerment”.
Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, the Midlands, Matabeleland North and Masvingo provinces have already endorsed President Mugabe’ s candidature in the next general election scheduled for some time next year.-The Chronicle