Tinotenda Hove – Opposition activist Stephen Sarkozy Chuma has accused Zimbabwe’s military of betraying the people it is meant to protect, saying it has become a partisan force aligned with the ruling ZANU PF party.

In a statement marking Defence Forces Day, Chuma recalled the events of August 1, 2018, when soldiers opened fire on protesters in central Harare, killing several civilians.

“On this Defence Forces Day, we are again reminded about how the military butchered unarmed defenseless citizens in the streets of Harare on 01 August 2018,” Chuma said.

He condemned what he described as the militarisation of politics and the erosion of professionalism within the army.

“We need a professional and non-partisan defence service and not one that operates like ZANU PF thugs,” he added.

Chuma’s remarks come as the role of the military continues to draw scrutiny, with critics alleging that security forces are being used to stifle dissent and protect the political interests of the ruling elite rather than safeguard national security.