Maravi

Zim defence, security wings on full alert

Zim defence, security wings on full alert
By George Chellah
Saturday March 29, 2008 [03:00]

ZIMBABWE'S service chiefs yesterday announced that all defence and security wings were on full alert and up to the task in thwarting all threats to national security as the country goes to the polls today.

Addressing journalists at police headquarters, police chief Augustine Chihuri, who was flanked by Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander General Constantine Chiwenga, Zimbabwe National Army commander Lieutenant General Philip Sibanda, Air Force of Zimbabwe commander Air Marshal Perence Shiri, director-general of the intelligence retired Major General Happyton Bonyongwe and Commissioner of Prisons retired Major General Paradzai Zimondi, urged the nation to sustain the current peace, law and order.

"We wish to advise the nation that all the defence and security forces of Zimbabwe are on full alert from now onwards covering the election period and beyond. May we remind everyone that those who think and do evil must fear, for the defence and security forces are up to the task in thwarting all threats to national security," Chihuri warned.

"Also those who have been breathing fire about Kenyan style violence should be warned that violence is a poor substitute for intelligence and that it is a monster that can devour its creator, as it is blind and not selective in nature.

"Such misguided elements should stop this dangerous dreaming where they start to comment themselves, measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves among themselves forgetting the constitution and our existence. Doing so is not wise."
Chihuri reminded all contesting parties and individuals of what the law clearly stipulated and how votes would be counted and results announced.

"We are not going to allow a situation where individuals arrogate themselves the roles of election officials and announce themselves winners at any stage of the electoral process. The authority of counting votes and announcing the winners is vested in the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission in accordance with law," Chihuri said.

"We warn anyone of such inclination that we will not tolerate any such pronouncements as they have the effect of trying to take the law into their own hands thereby fomenting disorder and mayhem. Everyone is therefore advised to follow the law."

He said the defence and security forces guarantee peace and safety for all Zimbabweans who would like to exercise their right to vote.

"Adequate security deployments have been made to ensure their safety. But after voting, we urge all the voters to go back and await the results in the comfort of their homes. The officers who have been deployed at polling stations have been thoroughly briefed on their roles in line with statutory instrument 43 of 2008," Chihuri said.

Chihuri said there have been some exaggerated reports carried by the media with regard to the elections.

"We appeal to the various media houses to report stories in a professional and ethical manner. Truth and accuracy should not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency," said Chihuri.

Labels: ZIMBABWE

posted by MrK @ 5:05 AM