Trick-a-treat with guns

Cool Lifestyle Writer
September 27, 2014 will be a day to remember for most school children in Mashonaland East province, as they had their first experience with guns.
Yes, guns – real guns.
Well, more than 50 children from all walks of life gathered at 22 Infantry Battalion in Mudzi to witness the historic event of playing with guns.

The day was fun-filled as children shared guns with soldiers, expressing how they felt being on the makeshift shooting ground with the deafening sounds of AK47 rifles echoing in the surrounding hills.

One would mistake the shooting with a movie scene and if Steven Spielberg was present on the day, he would have turned green with envy as the teenagers managed to hold the guns like professionals.

CLS witnessed the boom and bang.

Many teenagers said they were excited about the day saying it will be cherished in their memories.

“I am so happy that I took part in the fun shooting. I came here in the morning after we were told that there will be a fun shoot in our area and today decided to come and see what this is all about. I was fascinated by the way the soldiers behave.

“At first I was so afraid to be close to a gun and hearing the booming sound was so scary, but we were told not to fear as nothing would happen to us,” said Nyasha Moyo of Tsakare Village.

Hazvinei Kadembo (14), said the fun shoot left lasting impressions in her life.

She said she grew up fearing guns and soldiers.

“I was so afraid of soldiers and whenever I saw one carrying a gun, I would think that the war is near. However, after today I know that soldiers are not bad people but are friendly. We were taught here today that soldiers are there to protect our country from the enemies and maintain peace. I think being part of the shooting, I was inspired to become a soldier when I finish school.”

Surprisingly, Patricia Motsi had a different story to tell as she hates guns.

“It was so fascinating, but after some shooting, I started feeling lonely while others were enjoying. I was used to hear guns especially in the movies but coming in contact with the real weapons is scarier,” said the 15-year-old girl.

The event was a get-together where the community were invited to take part with the purpose of social interaction.