The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) have dismissed claims that the military will carry out snap searches for the army regalia and any resembling ‘camouflage’ apparel in residential areas starting this weekend.
This follows a circular which went viral on social media on Wednesday purporting that soldiers will raid citizens this weekend.
“The Zimbabwe National Army is advising members of the public that it will conduct snap searches for ZNA uniforms and resembling clothing items in residential areas starting on this weekend” reads part of the statement in question.
The statement further stated that the search was meant to curb criminal activities by people clad in army regalia masquerading as soldiers.
ZDF spokesperson Colonel Overson Mugwisi referred the Zim Morning Post to the ZNA spokesperson whom he said was better placed to verify the authenticity of the ‘fake’ document since it carried “their logo.”
“Well, I also gleaned that document but nothing has been communicated to me so I prefer you get in touch with the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) since it carries the ZNA logo,” said Mugwisi.
The Zim Morning Post contacted ZNA spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore who disowned the circular and said it was a creation of individuals meant on causing panic.
“We have heard of that document but we have nothing to do with it, it’s a creation of individuals who are bent on causing panic and despondency,” he said.
What raised eyebrows was that the document was not officially signed off and the misinformation had caused panic to the general public while legal experts had made ‘noise’ on the legality of such a development.
