Maravi

(HERALD) Govt warns rogue soldiers

Govt warns rogue soldiers
By Peter Matambanadzo

GOVERNMENT has strongly warned those behind the violence perpetrated by rogue soldiers who have been beating up illegal foreign currency dealers and looting shops in Harare since last week saying the coincidence of the incidents and the call for a nationwide stayaway and demonstrations raises a lot of questions.

Groups of unarmed soldiers in full military gear started beating up suspected illegal foreign currency dealers and seizing their money as well as mobile phones on Wednesday last week after failing to access cash from banks.

They also targeted illegal foreign currency dealers at Mupedzanhamo Flea Market in Mbare and Makoni Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza.

On Monday this week, the largest group of soldiers — numbering about 100 — who had failed to withdraw money from various banks in the city went on the rampage, attacking suspected foreign currency dealers along Chinhoyi Street and looting shops.

The group also attacked suspected illegal foreign currency dealers at Ximex Mall before stoning buildings, including Herald House and an Econet Shop in the First Street Mall.

Popular clothing shops such as House of Kumali, Country Road and Brenton along Jason Moyo Avenue also fell victim to the rampaging soldiers.

Infuriated suspected foreign currency dealers engaged the soldiers in a war of stones before joining them in the looting spree as the group stampeded along Jason Moyo Avenue towards Fourth Street bus terminus where they were dispersed by alert policemen.

Addressing a Press conference yesterday, Defence Minister Cde Sydney Sekeramayi said the incidents were being investigated and those found culpable would be brought to justice.

He said measures had been put in place to ensure that such acts of violence would not recur.

The minister was flanked by the Commanders of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Constantine Chiwenga, Zimbabwe National Army Lieutenant-General Phillip Sibanda, Air Vice Marshal Henry Muchena, Police Deputy Commissioner-General (Operations) Innocent Matibiri and other senior officials from the President’s Office and Cabinet.

Cde Sekeramayi’s condemnation comes after two top army officers — Chief of Staff Major-General Martin Chedondo and army spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Tsatsi — castigated the behaviour of the soldiers saying the army did not tolerate such behaviour, which he described as an act of mercenarism.

The minister said during the last five days, Harare had experienced disturbances perpetrated by unruly elements from the defence forces.

"As a result, a number of properties were damaged, innocent people injured, money, and property stolen. These acts are unacceptable, deplorable, reprehensible and criminal," Cde Sekeramayi said.

He said the incidents would be thoroughly investigated and those responsible would be brought to book.

Cde Sekeramayi said it was regrettable that these incidents coincided with a call for a nationwide stayaway and demonstrations by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and some anti-

Government civic organisations.

"The coincidence of the above-stated incidents and the call for a nationwide stayaway and demonstrations raises a lot of questions. While it is the right of citizens to demonstrate, it must be done within the context and confines of the laws of this country," he said.

He said the security forces had already put in place the necessary measures to ensure that peace and tranquillity prevails and that peace-loving citizens are allowed to carry on with their normal activities without fear.

"Let me also emphasise that those who may try to incite some members of the uniformed forces to indulge in illegal activities will equally be found culpable," he said.

He urged all Zimbabweans across the political divide, social affiliation or ethnic groups to shun violence, desist from the destructive actions and allow the political process to follow its course in peace.

Cde Sekeramayi said the defence forces and other security forces have a mandate to protect citizens and would continue doing so without fear or favour.

He commended the vast majority of the defence forces for the discipline and loyalty they continued to observe despite the serious challenges the country was going through.

Lt-Col Tsatsi said some arrests had been made but was yet to establish the numbers last night.

Labels: ARMED FORCES, MDC, ZIMBABWE

posted by MrK @ 9:13 AM