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Old December 6th, 2008 #100
Joe_J.
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Default More On The Chimp Out. Soldiers Executed.

http://www.thetimes.co.za/

Quote:
Sunday Times Foreign Desk Publishedec 07, 2008

Zimbabwe's panicking government is cracking down on its army and has placed
the country on high alert following a riot by soldiers this week and
increasing calls for President Robert Mugabe to be forcibly removed.

Unconfirmed reports yesterday claimed that 20 soldiers - fingered as the
instigators of Monday's rampage - had been summarily executed as Mugabe
desperately tries to control the discontent.

His priority is the internal unrest. Military officers told the Sunday Times
on Friday that an inquiry into the soldiers' protests had been launched.

About 20 troops are believed to be facing court martial - however,
speculation is that they have already been executed by firing squad. The
Sunday Times could not independently confirm this.

Mugabe is said to most fear assassination by soldiers who have lost
confidence in the ageing autocrat.

In the most serious sign of army fragmentation, dozens of unarmed soldiers
marauded through central Harare on Monday, breaking windows, looting stores
and robbing money changers.

Armed police dispersed them with tear gas.

Observers say while the army's rank and file have lost faith in Mugabe, he
still has the support of the top brass, which means a coup is unlikely.

Mugabe is also said to enjoy the confidence of all ranks in the police.

The army is about 30000 strong, compared with about 40000 police personnel.

Many military and riot police have also been deployed in Harare as the
government fears that Zimbabweans will take their cue from the mutinous
soldiers, according to government insiders.

The government is said to have taken such fright at the soldiers' actions
that Mugabe cut short a visit to Dubai and the Zanu-PF politburo held an
extraordinary meeting on Thursday to discuss the matter.

Meanwhile, the clamour for Mugabe to be forcibly removed is growing.

On Friday the UK and the US added their voices to that of Archbishop Desmond
Tutu, who earlier in the week said Mugabe was "destroying a wonderful
country" and should be removed by force if necessary.

Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga said it was "time for decisive action to
push (Mugabe) out of power".

Government officials said all state security agents had been placed on high
alert after the mutiny.

Zanu-PF insiders confirmed that the party had been shaken by the riots.

Army spokesman Solomon Tsatsa said the behaviour of the soldiers would not
be condoned and those found responsible would face the consequences.

"Whatever is happening it is not the position of the army," Tsatsa said.

"We don't subscribe to that. It is probably just a few small numbers of
soldiers who are doing this.

"All efforts are being put in place that there is order. All our military
and police are on the ground to ensure law and order," he added.

Speculation was also rife in the media that the government could declare a
state of emergency if the situation deteriorated further.

Meanwhile, state security agents have unleashed a renewed crackdown on the
opposition.

The latest high-profile casualty is human rights monitor Justina Mukoko, who
has been missing since she was abducted by four people on Wednesday.
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