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Chaos erupts at war veterans' meeting
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A meeting for veterans of the liberation struggle at Murambinda growth point descended into chaos over the weekend amid reports of looting during the launch of the War Veterans Housing and Borehole Presidential Scheme in Manicaland province.
The scheme, which also benefits former political prisoners, ex-detainees, restrictees, heroes' dependants, widows and war collaborators, was marred by disorder after bicycles and food hampers meant for distribution reportedly went missing.
Sources at the event claimed that both attendees and youths who had gathered for the launch joined in the looting spree.
"War veterans had started queuing so that the bicycles and food hampers could be distributed, but it was too late because there was massive looting," one source said. "What made the situation worse is that even young people who attended the launch became part of the looting, while war veterans were elbowed out."
Senior officials present included Zanu PF's national secretary for war veterans, Douglas Mahiya, Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs minister Monica Mavhunga, Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Moses Mugadza, and Zanu PF provincial chairperson Tawanda Mukodza.
However, Minister Mugadza downplayed the reports, insisting that the distribution had been orderly and that all beneficiaries received their bicycles.
"I was told about the looting this morning, but when we left the place everything was going on smoothly. The bicycles were many and all the war veterans received them," Mugadza said. "Everything went on well. What happened was just a minor thing and the good thing is everyone benefited. Remember, this is a growth point."
The launch was part of a broader government programme aimed at improving the welfare of war veterans and their families across the country.
The scheme, which also benefits former political prisoners, ex-detainees, restrictees, heroes' dependants, widows and war collaborators, was marred by disorder after bicycles and food hampers meant for distribution reportedly went missing.
Sources at the event claimed that both attendees and youths who had gathered for the launch joined in the looting spree.
"War veterans had started queuing so that the bicycles and food hampers could be distributed, but it was too late because there was massive looting," one source said. "What made the situation worse is that even young people who attended the launch became part of the looting, while war veterans were elbowed out."
However, Minister Mugadza downplayed the reports, insisting that the distribution had been orderly and that all beneficiaries received their bicycles.
"I was told about the looting this morning, but when we left the place everything was going on smoothly. The bicycles were many and all the war veterans received them," Mugadza said. "Everything went on well. What happened was just a minor thing and the good thing is everyone benefited. Remember, this is a growth point."
The launch was part of a broader government programme aimed at improving the welfare of war veterans and their families across the country.
Source - Newsday
