HARARE, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwe Republic Police has said it is on high alert ahead of the Presidential election petition hearing at the Constitutional Court Wednesday.
The Constitutional Court will hear MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa's challenge in which he seeks the court to nullify the declaration by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) that Mnangagwa had won the July 30 presidential election.
Chamisa alleges some irregularities in the conduct of the election and wants the court to either declare him the winner, or alternatively order a re-run of the presidential poll.
According to results released by ZEC, Mnangagwa won the election with 50.8 percent of the vote while Chamisa polled 44.3 percent.
Police spokesperson Charity Charamba said in a statement that to enhance security and ensure proceedings were not disrupted, roads within the precincts of the Constitutional Court would be barricaded on Wednesday and Thursday.
Members of the public would not be allowed to loiter around the court premises.
The Judicial Service Commission had previously announced that only the road leading to the Constitutional Court would be closed to traffic the whole of Wednesday, but the police have extended the security area.
Journalists covering the case will view proceedings from a special tent where a live feed will be provided as there is limited space in the courtroom to accommodate the huge number of interested people.
"The ZRP and other security services are on high alert and will maintain law and order while ensuring that the public is safe and able to conduct their business in the central business district in a peaceful environment. We want to warn all those bent on instigating violence that the law will be applied without fear or favor," Charamba said.
She said the police had noted with concern messages on social media meant to derail the court proceedings.
"Members of the public are implored not to gather or interfere with the processes around the precincts of the Constitutional Court during the same period," she said.
She appealed to citizens to remain calm and peaceful during the period and urged all interested parties to allow the due process of the court to be conducted without any hindrance.
Six people died on Aug. 1 following protests by MDC Alliance supporters who were unhappy about perceived delays by ZEC to announce the election results.
