Security chiefs dismiss coup rumours

ZIMBABWE’S security chiefs on Wednesday dismissed rumours of an imminent military coup in Zimbabwe, being peddled on dubious online platforms, as a desperate case of agenda setting by the opposition, disgruntled former Zanu PF members and Western governments through their local embassies.

They urged Zimbabweans to be wary of plots to create instability and to undermine the authority of the Government, warning that those engaging in treasonous acts would be punished.

In a strongly-worded statement issued at a media conference on Wednesday by the Working Committee of the National Security Council of Zimbabwe, the security establishment said it had noted with “grave concern”, a recent upsurge in rumours aimed at tainting the image of President Mnangagwa and to render the country ungovernable.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe issued the statement on behalf of the council and in the presence of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, State Security Minister Owen Ncube and security commanders. Service chiefs present were Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Phillip Sibanda, Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Edzai Chimonyo, Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander Air Marshal Elson Moyo, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Service Commissioner-General Paradzai Zimondi, and Director General of the Central Intelligence Organisation Isaac Moyo. — The Herald.