More soldiers sent on forced leave to block unrest within the army

By Violet Gonda
11 October 2005

Score of soldiers in Harare are said to be on forced leave to block unrest within the military. Our correspondent Simon Muchemwa said discontent is rife in the army over salaries, work and living conditions. A junior officer is taking home Z$2-3 million while senior officers like a lieutenant/colonel are getting Z$5million although high ranking officers are still receiving their allowances and perks.

Morale is said to be lowest at 2.3 Infantry, 1 Commando, Inkomo and KG6 as many soldiers there have not received salary increments, which they had been promised, since July. Soldiers at Darwendale Factory, suppliers of army uniforms, have also been affected.

The officers are becoming agitated over what they see as the government’s refusal to increase their salaries and provide adequate food supplies to the 40 000 strong army.

Muchemwa said the soldiers are forced to go on home leave for anything from 2 weeks to 2 months.