THE underfire Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) yesterday established hotline numbers that people could use to report any acts of misconduct by anyone “purporting” to be a soldier in the wake of widespread acts of brutality against civilians by people in military fatigue.
“The Zimbabwe National Army has noted with concern allegations of misconduct and acts of violence by people purporting to be members of the organisation,” ZNA spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore, said in a statement.
Since last week, soldiers and police officers have been cracking down against opposition supporters and people suspected to have participated in recent violent protests against the fuel price hikes, amid reports of torture of civilians and raping of women.
People beating up civilians will be armed to the teeth with AK-47 assault rifles and in army and police uniforms, while also using military and police trucks.
The police and the military recently issued a joint statement claiming brutality on civilians was being perpetrated by some ex-military elements using stolen uniforms.
National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba and Zimbabwe Defence Forces spokesperson Colonel Overson Mugwisi could, however, not explain where the former officers were getting the arms and service trucks they were using to brutalise the civilians.
“The actions by these bogus elements have subsequently put the image of the organisation into disrepute,” Makotore said.
“In view of the forgoing, the ZNA would like to urge members of the public to report any acts of misconduct by anyone purporting to be a member of the organisation using the following military police hotline number 0712 842 318, 0786 452 155.”
