The Zimbabwe Defense Forces spokesperson Colonel Overson Mugwisi yesterday denied the army were deployed to take over MDC Alliance Headquarters at Morgan Tsvangira House formerly known as Harvest House. Reports and footage revealed the army were in charge of the Harvest House takeover that has been widely condemned by the international community.
Mugwisi released a statement denying the allegations but instead said the army was there to assist the police to enforce lock down measures.
“Allegations by the private media that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), accompanied by some youths, seized Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House (MRT House), formerly Harvest House on 5 June 2020, are not true. The ZDF never deployed at MRT House. Current ZDF deployments are in support of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) operations of enforcing Covid-19 lockdown measures. It is the work of political mischief makers to present online media footage of the ZRP in uniform conducting their duties as the ZDF. ZDF uniform is distinct. All the misinformation is trying to divert public attention from challenges facing their political parties. They should leave us out of their politics.” said Mugwisi.
The statement by Mugwisi is in sharp contrast to a video footage that was taken by TechMag TV. In the video MDC Alliance secretary General Chalton Hwende was heard confronting the police asking them to allow him to access his office. The police responded directing Hwende to talk to the army whom they said were in charge of the operation.
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The army is also reported to have entered the building and severely beaten up MDC Alliance security guards that were inside the building.
Mugwisi’s statement comes as different arms of the United States government, the European Union and the Dutch embassy expressed concern over the use of force to take over private property.
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