Harare - The youth league of Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party has apologized to the military for its “childish” remarks denigrating the armed forces.
The ruling party youths brigade are known for their we-will-die-for-Mugabe rant and as political fortunes turn against Robert Mugabe, they have made a dramatic climb-down.
In a live broadcast, Zanu-PF youth league leader, Kudzai Chipanga begged for forgiveness days after he said the youth were ready to die in defense of President Robert Mugabe in the face army threats.
“As a leader of the Zanu PF Youth League, I have since reflected and I personally admitted that I erred together with my entire executive to denigrate your highest office (army).
“We are still young and make mistakes and we have learnt a lot from this mistake. I have not been persuaded to offer myself to the state media but I have personally reflected and realised my mistake, thank you,” Chipanga said in a live broadcast on the state owned ZBC-TV.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander, General Constantino Chiwenga in an angry rant on Monday warned Mugabe that the military would not hesitate to “step-in” and restore order if the ongoing internal purges targeted at former Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s allies were not stopped.
Chipanga quickly made similar scathing attacks on Chiwenga, labelling him a “rebel” and “criminal”, adding “people should be warned that we, the youth, are watching in our millions and those who wish to ride on the back of the tiger will end up inside.
“We as Zanu-PF Youth league are a lion which has awakened and found its voice, therefore we will not sit idly and fold our hands whilst cheap pot shots and threats are made against Mugabe.”
