By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have issued a joint statement denying reports that the army unleashed soldiers to beat up citizens describing these soldiers as “criminals masquerading as soldiers who should be reported to the police.”

Police Spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba and ZDF’s Director Public Relations Colonel Overson Mugwisi said the army and the police were disturbed by reports alleging that soldiers were beating up civilians in suburbs urging citizens to capture such acts on camera and immediately report the perpetrators to the police.

Said Commissioner Charamba and Colonel Mugwisi:

“We have set up standby teams that are ready to swiftly respond to such incidences.

Where possible without endangering yourself, try and capture the images of such assailants.

Some of these individuals could be criminals masquerading as soldiers. We assure the nation that we are ready to protect them through the efficient discharge of our duties.”

Below is the full statement from the ZDF and ZRP: