Zimbabwe army conducts drills in Midlands

The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) is conducting a routine training exercise in the Midlands Province aimed at imparting knowledge to its members on contemporary warfare.

Parts of the province will witness increased movement of military vehicles around Battlefields, Kwekwe, Gweru, Shurugwi, Chachacha, Zvishavane and the Gweru-Chirumhanzu highway.

In a statement, ZNA director public relations, Colonel Alphios Makotore called on the public not to panic.

"A sizeable number of troops and military vehicles are now deployed in three districts namely Chirumhanzu, Shurugwi and Zvishavane. The routine military exercise is aimed at sharpening and perfecting the ZNA and 5 Infantry Brigade in particular on its operational skills in order to enhance the troops with skills to fulfil the mandate of defending the nation from any aggressors," he said.

Colonel Makotore said on the sidelines of the exercise there will be a free medical outreach programme, including screening for eye cataract surgery as part of the ZNA's secondary roles of military aid to civil ministries, in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Child Care.

The outreach will include 100 cataract surgeries, including the supply of all consumables, intraocular lenses and post operative drugs.

The medical teams will be at Shurugwi Hospital today and tomorrow and at Tongogara Polyclinic on Monday and Tuesday.