The militants besieged the New Government Complex that houses the Finance ministry, saying Biti was colluding with Western countries to overthrow President Mugabe by crystallising civil servants' anger against the Zanu PF leader by denying them better wages.
Biti says there is no money to bankroll the increase they want. The war veterans forced their way into Biti's 6th floor offices and threatened to manhandle one of his aides claiming he was hiding the minister.
Sources said Biti had already sneaked out of the offices by the time the war veterans started encircling the offices.
Police officers ejected the war veterans, who vowed to coninue picketing until the minister adresses them. "We are prepared to continue coming here to express our displeasure and to warn Biti to stop defying orders from our Commander in Chief," said a war veteran who described himself as Cde Chatsva. "We will deal with him once and for all."
The placard-waving war veterans were dressed in Zanu PF regalia, some with Mugabe's insignia. They sang Chimurenga songs and waved derogatory placards against Biti.
Some of the placards read: ‘Give civil servants increaments or else resign’, ‘Biti resign immediately for defying President’s directive’, ‘Pamberi naPresident R.G Mugabe’, ‘No one is allowed to defy the President let alone the Generals.'
Mugabe is patron of the war veterans who wield immense influence in his ruling Zanu PF party because they are a centerpiece of its electioneering machine, waging violence and terror against the opponents at every election to ensure victory for the party.
The ex-combatants also spearheaded the government’s controversial land reform programme touted by Mugabe as his administration’s best achievement since coming to power in 1980 but blamed by critics for destroying the mainstay agricultural sector and causing food shortages.
The war veterans, who were baying for Biti's blood, disrupted the minister's schedule. Biti failed to appear in Parliament for a Finance portfolio committee hearing called to discuss the forthcoming mid-term fiscal review set for mid July.
The MDC said it was taking the threat seriously and that the party would draft a submission to the government. Police have taken no action against the ruling party militants who stormed the offices, with officers standing watch and providing escort.
Similar demands 14 years ago by over 50,000 war veterans for gratuities crashed the Zimbabwe dollar and became the tinder for economic meltdown the country is still grappling with. Government was forced to pay billions of unbudgeted for dollars to fund their demands.
Biti was not available for comment as he was not picking up his cellphone. But he has said there is no money.
Post published in: News