MDC-T blasts Zimbabwe Defence boss over statement that he will not salute a president with no liberation credentials

The Morgan Tsvangirai faction of the Movement for Democratic Change today blasted Zimbabwe Defence Forces chief Constantine Chiwenga over his statement that he will not salute a president with no liberation war credentials this is treasonous and unconstitutional.

“Such parroting and wittering of old and tired rhetoric is an insult to our national army whose duty is to protect the country,”MDC-T youth leader Happymore Chidziva said in a statement.

“Chiwenga should focus on improving the welfare of the men and women in uniform than meddling in political affairs yet in contravention of the country's Constitution, which is very clear that security forces must be non-partisan.

“The constitution of Zimbabwe clearly defines the duties and the mandate of the defence forces of Zimbabwe. Military interference in political matters is treasonous and blatantly unconstitutional.”

Chidziva described Chiwenga as a coward “who finds pleasure in saluting an inept wheelchair bound somebody at the expense of the country.

“I want to warn General Constantine Chiwenga and anyone harbouring such contemptuous thoughts that we shall defend our country's constitution and the will of the Zimbabwean people for change. 

“We shall never allow our esteemed soldiers to be abused to such levels. If a few of them previously managed to subvert the will of the people of Zimbabwe by subterfuge and deceit, 2018 will afford them an opportunity to learn what's mightier, between a bullet and the collective resolve of the young people of Zimbabwe.”

He said that youths constitute more than 60 percent of the population of Zimbabwe. As such they would not allow a minority age group to continue diminishing their hopes of a better Zimbabwe.

“The youths have been marginalized for years and it’s time for us to demand our stake and direction of this country,” he said.

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