War vets dismiss violence claims

unlea-shed a wave of violence against villagers in Mbe-rengwa and Zvishavane.
Private media reports have claimed war veterans and people affiliated to Zanu-PF were terro-rising local communities ahead of elections expected sometime this year.
The reports accused Chief John Bhera Mata-ruse of co-ordinating attacks in conjunction with “heavily armed soldiers” who have been deployed in the area.
In a statement yesterday, Midlands war veterans provincial secretary-general, Cde Reuben Mafika, dismissed the reports as “cheap propaganda”.
He said the claims were aimed at tarnishing Zanu-PF’s image and that the areas in question were traditional party strongholds.
“These are just malicious and false allegations. Surprisingly, they are saying a war veterans’ rally had been held at Vutsanana Business Centre last Saturday when people were in Gweru launching the National Anti-Sanctions Petition Campaign.
“They want to tarnish the image of the party just because they know that this is our stronghold in the province.
“From the four constituencies, we have four Zanu-PF MPs and the enemy wants to destroy this. We will never be distracted by these reports and shall continue to work for our revolutionary party,” said Cde Mafika.
He said war veterans were disciplined and were resolute in defending Zimbabwe’s sovereignty.