Soldiers go berserk, beat up residents

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ROWDY soldiers allegedly went on a rampage at Gutu growth point on Tuesday evening randomly assaulting residents in bars and at the bus terminus, leaving many injured.

ROWDY soldiers allegedly went on a rampage at Gutu growth point on Tuesday evening randomly assaulting residents in bars and at the bus terminus, leaving many injured.

TATENDA CHITAGU OWN CORRESPONDENT

Residents said the soldiers based at the nearby 4,2 Infantry Battalion randomly assaulted residents for no apparent reason.

“The visibly drunk soldiers started beating up people for no reason. They beat everyone, including the young and old, and left patrons in bars scampering for cover,” a resident who witnessed the attack said.

Another victim said he had to take refuge in a shop which was quickly closed as the beatings continued.

“I ran into a shop and the doors were closed with people inside to wait for calm. The soldiers beat up commuters in buses. The police came long after the soldiers had left,” he said.

Army public relations officer Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotoro could not be reached for a comment.

Acting Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nkululeko Nduna said he was unaware of the incident.