Here Is Why The Zimbabwe Government Deployed Soldiers Into The Streets

Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has revealed why the Government deployed soldiers into the streets.

This week, residents were perplexed after ZRP trucks, water cannons, army trucks and hardware storming into their areas. People took videos and pictures of security forces in Gweru, Mutare and Chitungwiza. The Government had not yet officially revealed the reason for soldiers getting into the suburbs across the country.

Residents in St Mary’s were taken aback by the heavy presence of soldiers and police on Wednesday, 7 August. They saw convoys of soldiers equipped with military gear and police armed with water cannons, batons, and guns patrolling the area.

Residents went indoor earlier, with many businesses closing early and vendors leaving their stalls. Kombi drivers parked their vehicles early to avoid any confrontations with the security forces.

Yesterday, a St Mary’s resident told Newsday:

“There is limited loitering here. People are afraid of the soldiers. There is a lot of uncertainty, so people are staying indoors to be safe.” 

Why The Government Has Deployed Soldiers Into The Streets

The Government has beefed up security measures in residential areas in preparation for the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit on 17 August. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and military personnel have been deployed to maintain peace and order.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the deployments are to assure the public of their safety and could be extended to other areas if necessary:

“Those are normal police deployments. Just to assure police visibility. So there is nothing sinister or alarming about the presence of police officers,” he said, “whether on foot or cycles or when they are conducting motorised patrols like what you are indicating (has happened in Chitungwiza).”

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The post Here Is Why The Zimbabwe Government Deployed Soldiers Into The Streets appeared first on iHarare News.