Zanu-PF burns as police use teargas, water cannons to disperse war veterans

The meeting that was supposed to be attended by war veterans from all the country's provinces failed to take off as the members were dispersed by police.

According to ZBC, war veterans found the venue of the meeting, the City Sports Centre, cordoned off by the police and later on teargas and water cannons had to be used to disperse them.

Police say the meeting was not sanctioned.



In the morning, the war veterans who could be seen trekking down Rekayi Tangwena Avenue, were barred from entering the venue.

The disgruntled war veterans were bitter that they were being barred by police.

The situation remained tense for some time and later on deteriorated as police unleashed water cannons and tear smoke on the war veterans.

Police say the meeting was unsanctioned and they had to disperse the war veterans by using minimum force.



Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association chairman and Minister Chris Mutsvangwa, however, is crying foul saying the use of force by police on unarmed war veterans was uncalled for.

"The war veterans are going to court to challenge what they view as violation of their constitutional right to hold meetings," said Mutsvangwa.



The war veterans demanded the arrest of Zanu PF Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs Kudzai Chipanga whom they accuse of allegedly threatening to unleash violence on the war veterans.

Chipanga allegedly made the utterances on Wednesday while addressing youths at the Zanu PF headquarters.