The MDC-T has urged soldiers “to be professional and serve the nation — not individuals” in carrying out their duties and should avoid being used by Zanu PF to terrorise those they should protect.
In a statement on Monday, the MDC-T said: “The MDC reiterates that soldiers should be confined to the barracks, should be professional and, above all, apolitical.”
This follows reported instances of skirmishes at the weekend involving soldiers who wanted to disrupt MDC-T rallies.
Soldiers reportedly ran amok at Darwendale Stadium in Mashonaland West, tearing posters, bringing down tents and threatening MDC-T supporters preparing for a rally that was set to be addressed by party secretary-general Tendai Biti.
The MDC-T supporters had to abandon the stadium and settle for the nearest “bush” after which alleged Zanu PF supporters set fire to the grass around them to try to disperse them.
Earlier on Friday, soldiers from the Jock Camp in Mutoko moved around ordering villagers to snub an MDC-T rally at Masvimbo business centre, according to the MDC-T.
“These institutions should be known for protecting this country’s citizens regardless of political affiliation, religion or background,” the MDC-T said.
Service chiefs have in the past openly showed their support for President Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF vowing not to recognise anyone without liberation war credentials even if elected into power. In 2008, security personnel allegedly sided with Mugabe in the presidential re-run poll and launched a violent crackdown on MDC-T supporters which MDC-T claimed killed over 200 supporters and displaced thousands.
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But Zanu PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo yesterday said: “We have our own structures and we do not need the help of the army.”
