By Rudo Saungweme

Citizens have applauded Government for the approval of formulation of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill to replace the Public Order and Security Act (POSA).

One citizen who refused to be named said, “This is a good step by our administration. We are happy that we are heading in the right direction towards democracy. The only fear we have is that some Government detractors will end up abusing this democracy.”

Alpha Media Holdings Owner, Trevor Ncube on his twitter handle welcomed this development. He posted, “This is good news.”

One journalist from a private media who refused to be named said he really welcomed the move and indicated that our Government had adhered to people`s petition to repeal the POSA bill.

“I am happy and confident with this Government which always listen to the concerns of the people. This is a positive signal sent to investors. Zimbabwe will attain its middle income status by 2030 with this cooperative leadership. We will also support our Government in this journey,” she said.

POSA has been accused of giving the police too much power and also prohibiting protests which are not approved by the police.

The act is also alleged to be the brainchild of Professor Jonathan Moyo who was the Minister of Information and Publicity in 2007 when the act was amended.

The new dispensation ushered in by President Mnangagwa has been implementing economic, political and legislative reforms in line with democratic principles. Last week, the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) was also repealed.