Discord over bonuses

The government last week failed to pay soldiers their annual bonus as announced, raising questions on whether the rest of the civil service will receive their 13th cheque, amid reports the State's coffers were virtually dry.

To compound matters even further, Labour minister Prisca Mupfumira yesterday said she was unaware that soldiers had not received their bonuses, but this was a matter she would take up at today's Cabinet meeting.

Mupfumira referred further questions to her colleagues (today), Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa and Information minister Christopher Mushohwe. Chinamasa's phone went unanswered, while Mushohwe curtly said: "I am not aware of that. Are you sure they did not get the bonuses?