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Zimbabwe soldiers under attack

by Staff reporter
08 Aug 2018 at 16:20hrs | Views
FOLLOWING the ugly scenes that rocked Harare after alleged MDC Alliance hooligans violently demonstrated against their party's loss in the 2018 Harmonised Elections, some civilians have allegedly attacked soldiers in their suburbs.

Two soldiers - one in Mabvuku and the other in Chitungwiza - had their houses stoned by unknown assailants.

Individuals masquerading as soldiers also allegedly beat up people near Machipisa.

In a joint statement by Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Zimbabwe Republic Police yesterday, Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba and ZDF director public relations Colonel Overson Mugwisi said these individuals are criminals and assured the nation that they have set up standby teams to respond to such incidents.

"The Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Zimbabwe Republic Police wish to inform the nation that we have noted with concern media messages and footage detailing alleged assaults by soldiers," said Snr Ass-Comm Charamba.

"We wish therefore to categorically state that we condemn all forms of violence in whatever form and assure the nation that any such cases which have been brought to the attention of the police will be investigated without fear or favour.

"Investigations on reported cases are underway as we continue to monitor the situation.

"We confirm that only three cases have been reported to the police at Machipisa, Chitungwiza and Mabvuku police stations respectively.

"The first case was perpetrated by unknown assailants who were driving a white pickup and wearing civilian attire who stormed a house and beat up the occupants," said Snr Ass-Comm Charamba.

Col Mugwisi said the second case was perpetrated against a soldier who had his house stoned in Chitungwiza by unknown assailants. A similar modus operand was used in Mabvuku where another soldier's house was also stoned by unknown assailants.

"We urge members of the public who have witnessed such incidents, fallen victim or have knowledge of the assaults to report to the police on 0242 748836, 703631 or any nearest police station for swift action to be taken by authorities.

"We have set up standby teams that are ready to swiftly respond to such incidents.

"Where possible, without endangering yourself please try to capture images of such assailants.

"We assure the nation that we are ready to protect them through efficient discharge of our duties," said Col Mugwisi.

Source - hmetro