Zimbabwe Defence Minister warns don’t imitate Jah Prayzah, you could end up in jail for wearing military fatigues

Zimbabwe Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi has warned people against wearing military attire because this is illegal.

People should not imitate popular singer Jah Prayzah because he and his band are allowed to wear military fatigues on stage because Jah Prayzah in Zimbabwe’s military ambassador.

Responding to questions in the senate about the use of military attire and the fact that some shops are selling goods that are like military regalia, Sekeramayi responded:

“We know it had become fashionable to wear look alike fashion army attire and people would even be showing off in that attire. 

“We prohibit this because some people who were wearing that regalia yet they did not belong to the military were engaging in illegal activities such as raping, corruption, murder and armed robbery and innocent civilians would then end up blaming the military. 

“That is why, we are saying, it is illegal for anybody to wear military regalia or anything camouflage.

“Now, this is a directive to shop owners and retailers that it is illegal to sell this type of regalia.  This should also serve as a warning to civilians that it is illegal for you to wear fashionable look alike military regalia. 

“We do not want to end up prosecuting people unnecessarily.  Hence I am pleading with Hon. Senators and Members of Parliament to go and advise shop owners, retailers and hawkers in your respective constituencies to stop selling fashionable look alike military regalia because it is illegal. 

“So people who continue putting on such attire should stand warned that it is illegal and whosoever is found in future to be abrogating this law may find themselves being arrested and prosecuted.  Putting on military attire, fatigue or camouflage is illegal.”

When asked whether this applied to Jah Prayzah, Sekeremayi said this was a rhetorical question.

“Some questions are asked for the sake of rhetoric.  The Hon. Senator is asking whether it is permissible for Jah Prayzah to wear military fatigue. We are saying, members of the Jah Prayzah musical group are known even their physique and sizes are well known by the military. 

“As of now, they were given permission to wear that uniform as long as they are performing on stage.  We are yet to hear of members of the group abusing the facility. 

“Let me warn civilians that should we find copy cats who are emulating Jah Prayzah and his band – we will get a way of resolving that problem.  We know there are people who when they see Jah Prayzah performing become overzealous because he is a real entertainer and man of the moment, hence he has authority to wear that uniform.  He was also declared Zimbabwe’s military ambassador.”

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