Commander of the Defence Forces, Constantine Chiwenga Monday breathed fire calling for an end to “purging” and “cleansing” of party members in the ruling Zanu PF warning the military will not “hesitate to step in and protect” the country from counter revolutionaries, as the Zanu PF succession wars rages on.
Addressing a press conference at the army headquarters in Harare, Chiwenga said the Zimbabwe Defence Forces is a major stockholder ready to guard the gains of the liberation struggle.
“It is pertinent to restate that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces remains the major stock holders in respect to the gains of liberation struggle and when these are threatened, we are obliged to take corrective measures,” said Chiwenga.
He added that the Zanu PF squabbles are machinations of counter revolutionaries whom he said have infiltrated the party with the agenda to destroy it from within.
Chiwenga said the army was concerned with the current power struggles within the ruling party saying it has stalled development in the country.
“The current purging and cleansing process in Zanu PF which is so far targeting mostly member associated with our liberation history is a serious cause for concern to us in the Defence forces.
“As a result of squabbling within the ranks of Zanu PF, there has been no meaningful development in the country for the past five years.
“The resultant economic impasse has ushered in more challenges to the Zimbabwean populace such as cash shortages and rising commodity prices,” said Chiwenga.
He further noted that reckless utterances by politicians who denigrate the army were causing despondency within the rank and file.
“Among other security threats that are coming out of what is obtaining in Zanu PF are the reckless utterances by politicians denigrating the military which are causing despondency within the rank and file.
“Further we note with concern the attempts by some politicians to drive a wedge between the security services for their own selfish interests. This is unacceptable. We take great exception to this behavior,” added Chiwenga.
“The current purging of which is clearly targeting members of the party with liberation background must stop forthwith.
“The known counter revolutionary elements who have fermented the current instability in the party must be exposed and fished out.
“As the party goes for the extra-ordinary congress, members must go with equal opportunity to exercise their democratic rights,” added Chiwenga.
