The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) and other security
services say they have noted with concern a disturbing trend from a few
misguided members of the public, who are engaging in counter-productive acts of
vengeful retribution against perceived political elements.
In a joint statement, ZDF director Public Relations Colonel
Overson Mugwisi and ZRP spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity
Charamba said, there are individuals and groups who are continuing to organise
unsanctioned retribution-related demonstration contrary to the spirit of the
new political dispensation.
“Members of the public are warned against seeking the
services of the ZDF to settle old personal scores taking advantage of the
ongoing Operation Restore Legacy. Such cases are clearly a violation of the
law,” read the statement.
They said there are also some malicious individuals abusing
the social media to generate and circulate inflammatory content that
potentially causes unnecessary alarm and despondency within the defence and
security services “with the ultimate objective of disturbing the prevailing peace
and stability in the country.”
“In this regard, members of the public are warned against
such acts of political retribution targeting fellow Zimbabweans,” they said.
Colonel Mugwisi and Senior Assistant Commissioner Charamba
said such conduct is prohibited as per His Excellency, the President’s
inaugural speech of 24 November 2017.
They said investigations are underway as information has it
that some impostors masquerading as ZDF members are creating some of the video
footage that has been circulated on the social media.
Colonel Mugwisi and Senior Assistant Commissioner Charamba
refuted false social media messages suggesting that the defence forces are
planning to raid brothels, food vendors and related illegal ventures, saying
the responsibility of law enforcement remains in the hands of the ZRP and local
authorities enforcements systems.
“The general public is advised to be wary and expect more
of these falsehoods peddled by individuals with malicious intentions,” they
said.
The statement further said members of the defence forces
deployed across the country are under strict instructions to remain vigilant
and professional in the discharge of their duties during the ongoing operation
and beyond.
The public has also been advised to report any untoward or
suspicious behaviour by any member of the defence forces and other security
services.
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