Investigations and information supplied by sources at the RBZ showed that the central bank resorted to the plan following repeated threats of unrest within the army over salary concerns as well as serious shortages of basic requirements such as food. RBZ Governor, Gideon Gono reportedly came up with the plan after meeting with President Robert Mugabe who raised fears regarding the situation within the ZDF. Questions sent to Gono and his public relations people have not been responded to.
This paper established last week that officials at the RBZ were very restive after the ZDF had complained about a delay in the delivery of food items that the bank is reportedly importing, such as canned foods.
“That is the new plan, and has been in place for a couple of months. Right now we are already working on the salaries for the army for the month of November,” an impeccable RBZ source said. The central bank now makes sure salaries for the defence forces are availed to them on time to avoid fears of a mutiny.
Senior army sources also confirmed the arrangement adding that the central bank now also ensures fuel availability to the ZDF. Repeated efforts obtain comment from Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi have been in vain.
The Zimbabwean also heard that plans are underway to purchase expensive vehicles for ZDF leaders in addition to increasing the salaries of the whole army structures and the RBZ has already committed to fulfilling that.
“These plans were established after several incidents that raised security concerns, including reports of coup plans and increasing levels of disgruntlement within the defence forces,” said a top source. “The regime is trying everything in its capacity to pacify the defence forces as well as make sure they are on its side and ready to carry out any instruction, even against the people as the elections draw closer.”
Post published in: News