ZIMBABWE's security forces have been rocked by serious indiscipline,
resulting in arrests of several soldiers amid fears of a mutiny.
By late last night police were still holding six uniformed soldiers while
investigations continued into disturbances in the city on Thursday night.
Witnesses said a group of soldiers in battle fatigues had arrived at a busy
bus stop in the city centre and started assaulting people whom they
suspected of dealing in foreign currency.
Police and military police were called to the scene to quell the violence.
By the time the melee was brought under control many civilians had been
injured - some complained that the soldiers had stolen their money.
But yesterday police were still trying to figure out what had triggered the
unprovoked attack on the public. Though the police officially claim they
were investigating theft and assault, it appears that the matter might be
more serious.
Police have not ruled out the possibility of a mutiny.
"The soldiers appear to be unhappy because they cannot withdraw money from
their bank accounts. They say only high-ranking officers have access to
cash," a police source close to the investigation said.
Zimbabwe is experiencing a severe cash crunch that has forced banking
authorities to limit withdrawals.
Earlier this month, soldiers from the KG Six barracks were arrested on
suspicion of being behind a bomb blast at Morris police depot.
Two days later, another bomb went off at Harare Central police station.
There were no arrests.
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