The war veterans leadership, the dreaded Central Intelligence Operatives and Provincial Administrator Fungai Mbetsa are alleged to have held a meeting last week to plan for the reopening of the bases to instil fear in the residents who are perceived to be pro-MDC. Sources told The Zimbabwean that the war veterans and CIO were planning to register all the names of the war veterans in the city and their immediate families and they will be assigned to man various bases in the high-density suburbs.
The war veterans are alleged to be mobilizing their members to disturb the ongoing constitution making process by threatening war. The bases, which were used by Zanu (PF) members to torture MDC supporters during the run up to Presidential run off, were dismantled after President Robert Mugabe and his archrival Morgan Tsvangirai formed a coalition government last year. War veterans interviewed said they would not take part in the exercise as they felt that they were used by Zanu (PF) to perpetrate violence against opposition members and dumped without benefits.
We will not allow them to force our children to bases to torture innocent civilians. They used us and dumped us and now they want our support back. What goes around comes around, said a disgruntled war veteran who said he was used by Zanu (PF) to beat up people. Residents confirmed that war veterans were reviving torture bases in areas such Dangamvura, Sakubva and Chikanga and fear that they could not express themselves freely when COPAC teams visit the area.
Post published in: News