Zimbabwe soldiers returns from SADC Special Forces' training

The Zimbabwean contingent to the SADC Special Forces' training exercise in Tanzania has returned home after successfully completing the 44-day military programme codenamed Exercise Matumbawe in Tanzania.

The Special Forces' training programme was focused on enhancing security of coastal member states from the threats of pirates.

Head of the Zimbabwean delegation to the exercise, Colonel Philip Kupe told reporters upon arrival in Chinhoyi that critical lessons were learnt from the Tanzanian experience, especially in terms of logistical organisation for vehicular and naval fleet management.

Colonel Kupe also pointed out that the Tanzanian terrain is characterised with coral reefs where terrorists can take refuge for years before they can strike, and as such, the SADC Special Forces had to acquaint themselves with such realities.

The SADC Special Forces are there to augment the stand-by brigade in enhancing security among the regional group's member states.

Regular exercises are conducted by the Special Forces every two years under a rotational basis by host countries, the idea being to harmonise military drills and have a common approach to specific threats.

Zimbabwe hosted SADC Special Forces for a similar exercise in 2015, which was code named: 'Exercise Mahombekombe.'