In his first statement issued today after returning to Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that protestors stole guns from the police.
The police had already said that protestors had stolen their uniforms, but did not mention guns, making this a new revelation.
Said Mnangwagwa:
Everyone has the right to protest, but this was not a peaceful protest. Wanton violence and cynical destruction; looting police stations, stealing guns and uniforms; incitement and threats of violence.
Following violent protests on 14 January 2019 that saw roads barricaded, shops looted and many vehicles burnt, the police and military executed a crackdown campaign that has been blamed for the death of more than 10 people. In Marondera, a police station was ransacked protestors after police arrested a man they had shot and left him in a police cell. The man later died.
Firstly it was a bombing in Bulawayo were you had a really,now weapons were stolen from the safe,why don’t you one of the corrupted official sold them.How possible is that, people can steal at the army warehouse & police warehouse? Mr President they told you lies.One chap was spotted carrying an alarm assault rifle, the video circulated all over the world.The minister of intelligence said people must help to apprehend him luckily to the people of Zim but very embarrassing to the minister there was a police pickup beside him.Your weapons are on sale if it is like this.