Roleen Gandiwa, who served in the Presidential Guard Battalion Charlie Company situated at State House, also disclosed that more than 290 soldiers are rotting in jail for refusing to re-enlist following tribalism and nepotism that is rife in the Zimbabwe National Army.
“I thought coming out clear in the media would help stop these Al-Shabaab members and CIO agents from harassing me. But it seems I made a mistake as the very day my story appeared in the paper I received more messages telling me that my hours of living are numbered. On Thursday night, I had to skip the country through Mozambique. I am now in South Africa where I am seeking refugee status. It was sad that I left behind my family in Kwekwe. I fear they may be at risk of paying for my sins of telling the truth about our ruthless army. My wife told me on the phone that unknown men in cars without registration plates visit my house daily requesting to know my whereabouts,” said Gandiwa.
“Our police are the last people to trust with your life as they have disappointed me previously. I told them of these threatening messages before I was abducted, but they did nothing and here I am today suffering and forced to leave the land of my forefathers. Even if they kill me I am very happy that now the truth is out,” he added.
Last week, this paper revealed that Gandiwa was receiving death threats from people identifying themselves as Al-Shabaab – a militia group known for terrorising residents in Kwekwe in an attempt to coerce them to vote for Zanu (PF).
“The unknown callers accused me of betraying the army especially the Presidential Guard where I once served. I want the world to know of this before they kill me,” Gandiwa was quoted as saying.
After quitting the army in December, he was kidnapped and suffered at the hands of unknown assailants whom he believes are state security agents. Late last year, police spokesperson assistant commissioner Charity Charamba was quoted in the media saying she needed more time to verify the alleged activities of Al Shabaab – but since then nothing has happened.
Post published in: News