War vets demo against Ray Kaukonde postponed

Zanu-PF provincial chairperson for Mashonaland East, Ray Kaukonde will have more time to gird his 'armor' after police deferred the demonstration organized by ex-combatants in Marondera.

Kaukonde who is perceived to be an ally of the embattled vice president Joice Mujuru is accused of fanning factionalism in the party and protecting white commercial farmers in the province.

He was recently savaged by First Lady Grace Mugabe for his perceived links with Mujuru, an alleged bitter rival of Mugabe.

The police force reportedly deferred the protest march saying the force was incapacitated due to the official opening of the Second Session of the Eighth Parliament by President Mugabe on Tuesday.

War veterans secretary for finance for Marondera district, Patrick Makombe confirmed the development soon after meeting the law enforcement agents.

"We've agreed to defer the demonstration to pave way for the issues raised by the ZRP during our meeting," he said.

"We've not cancelled the demonstration; we'll advise you once the issues that the police raised are dealt with. The meeting was quite amicable and some of the issues they raised were pertinent."

According to a letter written by the police, the war veterans were urged to consider dialogue and to approach the Zanu-PF Politburo member in the area Sydney Sekeramayi to air their grievances.

"Please be kindly advised that the day set for the demonstration coincides with the official opening of Parliament as well as a Politburo meeting to which we are seconding manpower," read the letter signed by Officer Commanding ZRP Marondera district, Chief Superintendent Karuru.

"Therefore, the police is thin on the ground. Following a discussion between yourself and the Joint Operation Command of the province, it was suggested that there are other ways of forwarding grievances other than a demonstration."

The demonstration had initially been set for last Friday, but was deferred to allow the war veterans to notify the police in terms of the Public Order and Security Act.

Makombe said the demonstration was against Kaukonde and his ally, Marondera East legislator and provincial secretary for security Jeremiah Chiwetu.