Zim general threatens coup

Zimbabwe Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Major General Martin Chedondo on Tuesday while addressing 3 000 soldiers from 2 Brigade undergoing a battlefield training exercise in Mutoko said the army will never be apologetic for supporting Zanu-PF because it is the only political party that has national interests at heart.

MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora yesterday said Chedondo's comments exposed Zanu-PF "bankruptcy".

"The utterances by that soldier are clearly to intimidate the people of Zimbabwe and they expose the rogueness and bankruptcy of members of Zanu-PF institutions. This justifies our calls for security sector reforms," said Mwonzora.

"That soldier does not seem to know that the people are above the army and they make the decisions whether the army likes it or not. He can freely support Zanu-PF, but he has no right to wear our uniform. He must come out and campaign for political office," he said.

Mwonzora said Chedondo should not abuse young soldiers who had nothing to do with such "madness".

Constitutional lawyer Greg Linington said there was no provision in the Constitution that allowed the army to participate in national politics.

The interim secretary for international relations and co-operation in Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn, Brian Mubariki, said Chedondo's comments were dangerous especially taking into cognisance the recent military coup against the government of Guinea Bissau where President Raimundo Pereira was toppled.