THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) stated yesterday that it was unaware of pamphlets allegedly strewn across the grounds of several military barracks in Harare during the early hours of Tuesday.
Images of the pamphlets — reportedly authored by disgruntled soldiers protesting poor working conditions and proposed constitutional amendments — were widely shared on social media.
ZDF public relations director, Colonel Hlengiwe Dube, told NewsDay that the military was not aware of the developments before requesting that further questions be submitted in writing.
The anonymous document, titled Operation Code Named: People’s Army, was reportedly distributed at various sites, including the Commando Regiment, 2 Presidential Guard Brigade, Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks (KG6), Dzivarasekwa Barracks, Manyame Air Base and both the Zimbabwe National Army and Air Force headquarters.
Within the pamphlet, the authors — who claim to be members of the security services — accused senior political and military figures of neglecting the welfare of rank-and-file soldiers while enriching a wealthy elite they referred to as zvigananda.
The writers lamented deteriorating working conditions while a privileged few live lavishly.
“Our conditions of service are pathetic. We need decent salaries, accommodation, uniforms, buses and vehicles — not handouts,” the letter read.
The authors further accused military leadership of prioritising the protection of wealthy and politically-connected individuals at the expense of ordinary soldiers.
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“Why are serving members deployed to protect zvigananda?” they asked. “You are busy dividing the army by paying some through unofficial channels.
“You have destroyed our special forces and elements of the Presidential Guard, recruiting them into retirement to protect zvigananda.”
The anonymous authors also alleged that soldiers, having endured years of hardship, should not be expected to view improvements in welfare as personal favours from political or military leaders.
These developments come amid reports of growing disgruntlement within the security sector over perceived attempts to dilute military powers through Constitution Amendment No 3 Bill (CAB 3).
Retired Vice-Air Marshal Henry Muchena voiced the concerns of some retired generals, arguing that CAB 3 is being driven by a clique seeking to protect ill-gotten wealth.
