The Zimbabwe National Army has denied any involvement in the disappearance of journalist-cum-human-rights-activist Itai Dzamara.
This follows allegations made by Itai’s brother, Patson Dzamara, who claimed yesterday that he believed that the military intelligence was responsible for the missing activist.
He told journalists that “incontestable evidence was availed to us and I dare Mr. Mugabe (President Robert Mugabe) and his surrogates to prove me wrong. They can’t, because this is the truth. They thought they would get away with this evil deed as usual, but not this time around.
“They passed the wrong button. I cannot at this juncture state my brother’s fate in the hands of these gangsters but I can categorically inform you that Itai Dzamara was abducted by the military intelligence under the direct instruction and supervision of Zanu-PF.”
But in response to these allegations, Zimbabwe National Army director of Public Relations Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore denied the allegation.
In a statement Makotore said: “The Zimbabwe National Army totally denies any involvement in the disappearance of Itai Dzamara. The claims by Itai Dzamara’s brother Patson are totally false and a figment of his own imaginations.”
He added, “The Army Intelligence does not take orders from any political party. Patson’s claims are just meant to seek media attention and mislead members of the public.”
Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba told VOA Studio 7 yesterday that the police had no comment since Dzamara did not mention that they were involved or invite them to his press conference.
Meanwhile, Patson has been summoned by the police for questioning. VOA