Chinotimba is reckless and irresponsible

Zanu-PF Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba has been described as a reckless individual for demanding guns from the army.

Chinotimba said he needs protection claiming that protesters could target him and other war veterans.

A few years ago traditional chiefs also demanded guns.

However, Retired Colonel Basten Beta has said Chinotimba's remarks were irresponsible.

"We note with concern the reckless statements by purported war veterans like Joseph Chinotimba threatening to use guns on peaceful protesters demonstrating under the auspices of the Nera" he is quoted saying.

"We used the gun during the liberation struggle to free the same people that the likes of Chinotimba want oppressed through the same instrument. By using the gun against the people, who does Chinotimba want to liberate?"

He said people had legitimate reasons to protest and their grievances would never "be solved by firing volleys of expensive ammunition at the protesters."

"The demonstrators want food. They are women with empty pots because they have nothing to cook. They are unemployed but highly educated graduates who want jobs.

"The demonstrators are the people reeling under extreme poverty caused by economic mismanagement and they are crying out to be heard by the managers of the economy. They are unarmed peaceful citizens who do not deserve to be annihilated by guns in the hands of fake war veterans."