The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has claimed people, who allegedly assaulted MDC-T members in Chinhoyi last week could have been bogus soldiers, but warned that any of their members caught breaking the law would be dealt with.
BY NUNURAI JENA
This came in the wake of reports that soldiers beat up several Chinhoyi residents after the MDC Alliance rally held last Sunday, which was addressed by MDC-T leader, Nelson Chamisa.
ZNA spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore warned soldiers caught on the wrong side of the law will be court-martialed.
Chinhoyi resident, Kelvin Mahwani claimed he was assaulted by soldiers at Chengawose shopping centre, who accused him of siding with MDC-T members who were putting up posters.
“One of the soldiers had a disagreement with MDC-T youth, who were putting up a poster before the Sunday rally and I just told him to leave the youth, but later in the evening he beat me up,” he said.
Mahwani reported the case at Charlie Base in Chikonohono before seeking medical attention.
Makotore said they were still investigating the incident with the urgency that it deserved.
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He was, however, quick to say that there were bogus soldiers, who acquired military camouflage uniforms through unorthodox means.
“These bogus soldiers have somehow managed to acquire ZNA camouflage uniforms through unorthodox means,” Makotore said.
“They then go about committing all sorts of crimes, and in the process tarnishing the image of the ZNA through wearing the illegally-acquired uniforms. Besides the criminal aspects surrounding these actions by bogus soldiers, there are also cases of some politically-motivated acts by some individuals, who don the ZNA uniform to tarnish the credibility of the military. We have received reports of such cases, especially where there will be political activities in certain localities.”
Makotore said the ZNA does not tolerate unbecoming behaviour from any of its members.
He said members caught on the wrong side of the law would be arrested, court-martialed, sentenced to detention barracks and upon completion of their sentences, discharged from service.
