Rungano Dzikira
President and Commander-In-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a stern warning to terrorists and violence perpetrators not to harm members of the security forces, guaranteeing them severe punishment.
This warning comes in the wake of two assailants who on Saturday stormed a police base in Chivhu and attacked soldiers resulting in the death of Lance Corporal Lorance Mupanyama, and injury to Corporal Peter Zvirevo (2 army personnel).
In a statement, President Mnangagwa condemned this barbaric act and implored citizens to work together with security forces to ensure a peaceful environment.
“This cowardly and senseless attack by an assailant on the two soldiers who were enforcing lockdown measures aimed at mitigating the spread of the deadly coronavirus 2019 (Covid19) at the Police Base near Tehe Chivhu Chicken Inn, must be condemned in the strongest possible terms by all peace-loving Zimbabweans.
“Government will not tolerate anyone who attacks, harms or kills any member of the security establishment, let alone disarming and unlawfully taking arms of war in their possession. Any breach of this nature will attract severe punishment,” said the President.
He further applauded the role played by Chivhu residents in assisting the wounded soldier be swiftly ferried to hospital.
“The role played by members of the public at the Chivhu crime scene when they rendered help to the injured soldiers and took them to the nearest health facility, is highly commendable and exemplary.
“Their actions were a show of great compassion and high respect for the work our soldiers do to ensure national security and a demonstration of the spirit of Ubuntu that has come to characterise our nation.”
He also paid his condolences to the family of the late Corporal Mupanganyama on his untimely death, and wished Corporal Zvirevo who sustained injuries during the attack a speedy recovery, similarly, to Corporal Stanalious Chiunye, who was also shot this Monday in the course of apprehending the suspected assailants.
