The security forces, who expected to get a pay rise on Friday, allegedly started beating up patrons in the club accusing them of not protesting in favour of increase salaries for civil servants.
A patron who has his arm broken said about 20 soldiers closed the club’s exits and beat up people accusing them of being cowards.
“They were drunk and ordered the disk jockey to stop the music before moving around beating us randomly. They accused us of failing to pressure government for pay rise for them, as they are not allowed to strike,” said Dadirai Gozho, a victim of the assault.
He said about 10 people were seriously injured and being treated at Gutu mission hospital.
Gozho also alleged that the soldiers asked patrons where they were getting money to drink beer every day when they were paid a meagre $180.
ZNA provincial spokesperson, Warrant Officer Kingston Chivave could not be reached for comment but police in Gutu confirmed the incident and said investigations to bring the culprits to book were under way.
Two months ago soldiers severely assaulted patrons at Ritz night club in Masvingo city centre while others were beaten at Labamba night spot in Chiredzi by military men from Buffalo range camp.
Post published in: Zimbabwe News