Maravi

(TALKZIMBABWE) Zimbabwe security forces on high alert

Zimbabwe security forces on high alert
Mutsawashe Makuvise
Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:20:00 +0000
Zimbabwe security forces on high alert

ZIMBABWE security forces have been placed on high alert to prevent the opposition Movement for Democratic Change from staging a coup, according to Government reports on Monday. The number of roadblocks and patrols in major cities across the country has been increased.

According to reports from the country on Monday, the country’s military and police are searching for weapons and “suspicious” people who may be preparing for war at the roadblocks, Deputy Information Minister Bright Matonga spoke to Bloomberg Monday in a telephone interview from the capital, Harare and confirmed the development.

“The opposition is recruiting youths to use as bandits to destabilize our country and topple the Government,” said Matonga.

Harare was reportedly ‘inundated’ with armed riot police especially at the Africa Unity Square (formerly Cecil Square). The square reflects Zimbabwe's tumultuous history. It was once a venue for popular gatherings and demonstrations and also hosts a flower market. This is the place where the Union Jack was raised to mark the arrival of the British colonizers in 1890.

Major highways are said to be under surveillance to circumvent any movement of arms into the country.

Armoured cars and water cannons patrolled the streets of Harare while some stayed put at a park opposite the parliament building where opposition and civil organizations have held regular protests.

Haulage trucks are the main targets of the roadblocks although private cars and any other suspicious vehicles are also being searched thoroughly, according to reports from Harare residents who were stopped on Monday.

“Police are using sophisticated electric detectors at these roadblocks,” said one Harare resident who spoke to the Zimbabwe Guardian on Monday.

“It seems like a very organized and sophisticated operation. They are not leaving anything to chance. A lot of unlicensed vehicles were impounded as well.”

Police sources said the security checkpoints will be in place until a new Government is formed.

Police commissioner Augustine Chihuri confirmed the operation in an interview on Monday.

"We have put our security departments on high alert because there are elements within the opposition who want to destabilize the country," said Commissioner Chihuri.

"Our security forces will descend heavily on any individuals carrying weapons," he added.

Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena reiterated Commissioner Chihuri’s statement saying the deployment of additional police officers and riot police was necessary given the fact that the opposition was training bandits.

“All our departments are on high alert as there are elements within the Movement for Democratic Change who are bent on destabilizing the country,” Bvudzijena said. “We will come down very heavily on anyone found carrying weapons.”

The Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi said the main reasons for putting the security forces on high alert will be kept under wraps, but people need not fear anything.

“I think it will be unfair to reveal to the press issues of security. But there is nothing to fear,” said Mohadi.

The move is set against a backdrop of allegations by the State that the opposition MDC-T party is recruiting youths to train as bandits to topple President Mugabe's Government.

Over 40 people, mostly MDC-T members have been jailed on charges that they were recruiting unemployed youths to train as bandits in neighbouring Botswana.

The MDC-T party denies these allegations and calls them “ludicrous”.

MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa dismissed the government’s allegation that the opposition party is trying to destabilize the country.

Labels: BRIGHT MATONGA

posted by MrK @ 5:00 PM