Maravi

Zim govt describes looting soldiers’ acts as deplorable

Zim govt describes looting soldiers’ acts as deplorable
Written by Kingsley Kaswende in Harare
Thursday, December 04, 2008 4:49:06 AM

THE Zimbabwean government has described the actions by rogue soldiers who attacked civilians and looted shops in downtown Harare as criminal and deplorable.
Groups of unarmed soldiers in military gear attacked suspected illegal foreign currency dealers and innocent bystanders on Monday, seizing their money and mobile phones, and looted shops in the ensuing frenzy after failing to access cash from banks.

Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi said the "unacceptable, deplorable, reprehensible and criminal" actions were being investigated and that those who would be found culpable would be brought to justice.

"During the last five days, Harare witnessed disturbances perpetrated by a few unruly elements from the defence forces. As a result, a number of properties were damaged, innocent people injured, money and property stolen. These actions are unacceptable, deplorable, reprehensible and criminal," Sekeramayi told journalists at a press briefing.

"The Ministry of Defence expresses sincere regret that this has happened and would like to assure Harare residents and the nation at large that the situation is under control. Measures are being taken to ensure that this will not happen again. These incidents are being investigated and those found culpable will be brought to justice."

Army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simon Tsatsi said some arrests had been made, but could not confirm the number.

Meanwhile, armed riot police yesterday dispersed crowds that had gathered in the city centre for a protest march organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU).

The ZCTU had called for demonstrations against the difficulties by people to access money in the banks, the same reason that caused the soldiers to go on rampage on Monday.

Sekeramayi questioned the coincidence of the two incidents.

"The coincidence of the [soldiers'] actions and the call for a nationwide stay-away 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.

Sekeramayi said the security forces had already put in place the necessary measures to ensure that peace and tranquility prevailed and that peace-loving citizens were allowed to carry on with their normal activities without fear.

As these incidents were happening, President Mugabe was away in Qatar, attending a meeting of global leaders.

Labels: ARMED FORCES, SYDNEY SEKERAMAYI

posted by MrK @ 4:49 AM