A recent army crackdown on civilians has brought problems for the country’s servicemen whose superiors been banned them from putting on camouflash on their way home to avoid revenge attacks by civilians angered by brutalities visited upon them recently.
This was revealed in a memo circulated to all members by Zimbabwe National Army commander Lieutenant General Edzai Chimonyo.
The ban, according to the memo, was also influenced by reports that some criminals with nothing to do with the defence forces were now committing various offences while impersonating members of the military.
“It has been noted with concern that ZNA uniform has been abused in offences being committed such as robbery, gold panning, fraud, theft and extortions among others. Some members have also been attacked by hostile civilians whilst in uniforms,” read the memo, dated February 6.
“Measures were then taken to ensure imposters abusing the uniforms will be easily identified and also ensure safety of members outside cantonment areas.
“Commander ZNA has directed that with immediate effect no military uniform will be worn outside cantonment areas.
“This applies to members commuting to and from places of work, intra and intercity commuting.
“Take note that after working hours, members are to put on civilian clothes and leave their uniforms in cantonment areas.”
