News / National
Pamphlets at Zimbabwe military barracks cause a stir
2 hrs ago |
97 Views
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has said it is unaware of pamphlets allegedly found at several military barracks in Harare in the early hours of Tuesday, amid reports circulating on social media claiming internal discontent within the security establishment.
Images of the pamphlets, which were widely shared online, reportedly show a document authored by individuals claiming to be disgruntled soldiers protesting poor working conditions and proposed constitutional changes.
ZDF public relations director Colonel Hlengiwe Dube said the military had not been formally briefed on the matter, adding that further enquiries should be submitted in writing.
The anonymous document, titled Operation Code Named: People's Army, is said to have been distributed at several installations, including the Commando Regiment, 2 Presidential Guard Brigade, Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks (KG6), Dzivarasekwa Barracks, Manyame Air Base, as well as ZNA and Air Force headquarters.
In the pamphlet, the alleged authors - claiming to be members of the security services - accuse senior military and political figures of neglecting the welfare of ordinary soldiers while enriching a privileged elite.
"Our conditions of service are pathetic. We need decent salaries, accommodation, uniforms, buses and vehicles - not handouts," the document reads.
The writers also claim that serving members are being deployed to protect politically connected individuals, while alleging unfair distribution of benefits within the security services.
"Why are serving members deployed to protect zvigananda?" the pamphlet asks, using a term often used to describe wealthy individuals accused of benefiting from state-linked networks.
The document further alleges that internal divisions have been created through selective benefits and recruitment practices affecting elite units, including special forces and the Presidential Guard.
The claims emerge amid wider political debate surrounding Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB 3), which has been linked by critics to concerns over governance, institutional reform and military influence in politics.
Retired Vice-Air Marshal Henry Muchena has also publicly voiced concerns over the Bill, arguing that it reflects the interests of a privileged elite rather than broader national priorities.
The developments have not been independently verified, and no official confirmation has been provided regarding the authenticity of the pamphlets or their origin.
Authorities say they are monitoring the situation.
Images of the pamphlets, which were widely shared online, reportedly show a document authored by individuals claiming to be disgruntled soldiers protesting poor working conditions and proposed constitutional changes.
ZDF public relations director Colonel Hlengiwe Dube said the military had not been formally briefed on the matter, adding that further enquiries should be submitted in writing.
The anonymous document, titled Operation Code Named: People's Army, is said to have been distributed at several installations, including the Commando Regiment, 2 Presidential Guard Brigade, Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks (KG6), Dzivarasekwa Barracks, Manyame Air Base, as well as ZNA and Air Force headquarters.
In the pamphlet, the alleged authors - claiming to be members of the security services - accuse senior military and political figures of neglecting the welfare of ordinary soldiers while enriching a privileged elite.
"Our conditions of service are pathetic. We need decent salaries, accommodation, uniforms, buses and vehicles - not handouts," the document reads.
The writers also claim that serving members are being deployed to protect politically connected individuals, while alleging unfair distribution of benefits within the security services.
"Why are serving members deployed to protect zvigananda?" the pamphlet asks, using a term often used to describe wealthy individuals accused of benefiting from state-linked networks.
The document further alleges that internal divisions have been created through selective benefits and recruitment practices affecting elite units, including special forces and the Presidential Guard.
The claims emerge amid wider political debate surrounding Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB 3), which has been linked by critics to concerns over governance, institutional reform and military influence in politics.
Retired Vice-Air Marshal Henry Muchena has also publicly voiced concerns over the Bill, arguing that it reflects the interests of a privileged elite rather than broader national priorities.
The developments have not been independently verified, and no official confirmation has been provided regarding the authenticity of the pamphlets or their origin.
Authorities say they are monitoring the situation.
Source - newsday
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
