Zimbabwe army’s deplorable conditions linked to criminal activities

HARARE – The Zimbabwean government has acknowledged severe shortcomings in the conditions of service for the Zimbabwe National Army, with some Senators suggesting these issues may be linked to recent incidents of armed robbery involving military personnel.

 

During a Senate session on Wednesday, Defence Deputy Minister Levi Mayihlome detailed the significant challenges facing the army, noting that both accommodation and equipment are currently inadequate.

 

“Accommodating the Defence Forces has been a major challenge,” Mayihlome said. “The last cantonment area built for the armed forces was in the mid-90s. Since then, efforts have been made to improve accommodation facilities in older camps.”

 

Mayihlome outlined ongoing housing projects in areas such as Dzivarasekwa and Cranborne West, funded by the Ministry of Defence and the government. He acknowledged the need for additional resources and support from Senators to address these challenges.

 

“When we request for this budget, we request that Hon. Senators also come and fight in our corner and assist us in pleading our case for adequate resources for funding the uniformed forces, in particular the Defence Forces, but that is not all, you should also recall that we have challenges in even accommodating our members when they are deployed because they do not move with their barracks, but when they are deployed on certain tasks, particularly along the border corridors, we require items like tentage or temporary field accommodation,” Mayihlome said.

 

“Those are challenges that we face. We wish that the nation understands that Defence Forces cannot fend for themselves. Defence Forces have to be provided for because at the end of the day, the security and the peace that we enjoy is because the Defence Forces are well motivated and doing their work instead of concentrating on finding means of survival.”

 

The Deputy Minister also discussed issues with military vehicles, noting that wear and tear and funding constraints have left some officers without their entitled vehicles. “We are working on a program to procure vehicles and resolve these outstanding issues,” he said.

 

In response to Senator’s concerns about military personnel engaging in criminal activities, Mayihlome emphasized that such behavior is not condoned and that the Defence Forces are committed to maintaining discipline. He invited any specific concerns to be submitted in writing for further investigation.

 

Mayihlome reminisced about past provisions, such as comprehensive kits for barrack life, which included essential items like shaving tools and sewing kits. “These provisions have ceased due to persistent funding shortfalls,” he noted.

 

Efforts are underway to improve military accommodation, with contracts signed for material supply and camp rehabilitation, including plans for a construction brigade to address housing needs by 2030, the Deputy Minister said.

 

Mayihlome stressed the importance of addressing these issues to maintain national security, stating, “Defence forces cannot go on strike. They commit themselves to the ultimate sacrifice. When grievances arise, they must be heard.”

 

Speculation continues that the deteriorating conditions for soldiers could pose political challenges for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who rose to power through a military coup in 2017. Despite this, Mnangagwa has been criticized for providing high-end vehicles, houses, loans, and farms to top military officials, while lower-ranked personnel continue to face significant hardships.