Sekeramayi dodges question about clashes between army and police

Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi yesterday refused to answer a question in Parliament about the clashes between the army and the police which occurred this week saying he would only do so after receiving reports from the two security organisations.

He had been asked by Highfield East legislator Erick Murai whether Zimbabweans were still safe since there were clashes between the army and the police, people that are supposed to ensure security in the country.

“I will address it after I have reports from the ZRP and from the Army concerning what exactly took place,” Sekeramayi said. 

“I promise you that on Wednesday, I will have a response pertaining to that issue and also the measures that are being taken to ensure that there is no violence or misunderstandings amongst the security forces.”

Whispers say the clashes were sparked by comments by senior Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front officials at the Chinhoyi rally.

Q &A:

*HON. MURAI:  Thank you Madam Speaker.  Good afternoon.  My question is directed to the Hon. Minister Sydney Sekeramayi, the Minister of Defence.  Yesterday, we witnessed violence between the ZRP and the Defence.  Their duty is to maintain peace and security in the nation.  We are no longer sure whether we are safe or not.  What measures have you taken in place to address the misunderstandings between the two groups to guarantee our security?  I thank you.

*THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE (HON. DR. SEKERAMAYI):  Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Hon. Member for raising this question.  I will address it after I have reports from the ZRP and from the Army concerning what exactly took place.  I promise you that on Wednesday, I will have a response pertaining to that issue and also the measures that are being taken to ensure that there is no violence or misunderstandings amongst the security forces.  I thank you  – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –

*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Order, order Hon. Members. Order Hon. Mupfumi.  If there is someone calling for a supplementary question, it is the duty of the Chair to recognise him and not you.  The Minister of Defence said that he will bring a response, so I do not know where the supplementary question arises from when he has not responded to anything.  Hon. Members please, we have others who want to pose questions.  Let us wait for the Minister to bring the answer and if your questions are not addressed, then you can raise supplementary questions.  Thank you – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] – I am saying that, let us go to other questions whilst we wait for the Minister’s response.

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