HARARE: Zimbabwe’s army said on Thursday soldiers accused of beating residents in townships following protests over fuel price hikes were impostors who tarnished the name of the zimbabwean military.
Security forces have been cracking down on violent demonstrations that erupted last week after the President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa decreed a sharp price increase of fuel.
Rights Organisation groups say a dozen of people have died in the unrest, though police put the figure at five only.
In a echo of the bad stactics used during the 37-years rule of Robert Gabriel Mugabe, soldiers have been accused of night raids, and beating residents and activists, in the townships around Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe National Army spokesman Alphios Makotore said those involved were not bona fide soldiers.
“The Zimbabwe National Army has noted with concern allegations of misconduct and acts of violence by people purporting to be members of the organisation,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s Human Rights Commission has accused security forces of systematic torture. The opposition says it fears soldiers are able to shoot and kill without being held accountable, after an official inquiry said the army shot civilians to quell post-election violence last August.
