NYANGA Army officers here last week were threatened with loss of jobs if they do not back Zanu (PF) ideas and President Robert Mugabe during the ongoing constitution making process.Addressing army officers at All Arms Battle School in Nyanga, Army Chief of Staff, Major General Martin Chedondo said all army officers should support and remain loyal to Zanu (PF) and its leadership.
Chedondo added that Zanu (PF) had monopoly to rule Zimbabwe because it participated in the war of liberation struggle.
Chedondo said any army officers who supported opposition parties risked dismissal from the army.
“I urge you as army officers to be loyal and rally behind the country’s leadership. The leadership is Zanu (PF), which brought freedom to this country. All of you went to school because of Zanu (PF) education programmes and you should support it through and through,” said Chedondo, adding “You are all here because of Zanu (PF).”
This is not the first time Chedondo has threatened junior army officers from supporting opposition parties. Last year on the same occasion, he described junior officers who deserted the army due to poor working conditions and remuneration as ‘cowards and puppets’ of western countries.
Junior officers who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were not moved by the threats, saying they respected the inclusive government for changing their lives in the camps.
“He can continue to intimidate us but the truth of the matter is change is irresistible. The inclusive government has brought changes in our lives,” said one junior army officer.
“We are sick and tired of this rhetoric, we are professionals what we need is bread and butter issues addressed not this propaganda,” said another senior officer.
Post published in: Politics