admin Obey Sibanda
Luck eluded a 17-year-old lad, who posed as a soldier in the streets of Bulawayo, when he was spotted by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers.
The juvenile, who later claimed to be a student at Luveve High School in Bulawayo, paraded himself as a military officer displaying the rank of Major sewn onto his uniform and also carrying a military bag.
A police source said two alert police officers, Constable Maidza and Prosper Madzokera saw the juvenile in full military uniform at Choppies Supermarket, but suspected him to be an imposter because the attire he was wearing did not go with his age.
The source, however, highlighted that the suspect was placed under surveillance before he was finally arrested and upon interrogation, he confessed he was using the army uniform which belonged to his uncle who deserted the army and fled to South Africa.
a�?On interrogation, the accused confessed to be a fake soldier who admired military work and started wearing the uniform to feel how it was like to be in camouflage.
a�?He admitted to the offence of posing as a military man after he had been escorted to the police,a�? said the source.
According to a Zimbabwe National army officer, for one to be a Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Major, he must have been in the service for 10 years although at times there were special circumstances.
a�?Ita��s virtually impossible for a person as young as 17 years old to be in the rank of a Major considering that one has to be 18 years and above to join the army,a�? he said.
For the offence, the juvenile was dragged before Bulawayo magistrate Miss Evelyn Mashavakure. He was not asked to plead and was referred to pre-trial diversion because of his age.
Online Reporter