New wheels for Mugabe's army, police bosses

New wheels for Mugabe's army, police bosses

THE MAZDA 3

• 'Coup plotters' have case to answer - court

• Mugabe hails army loyalty

• Chiwengwa's wife threatens to sue for US$1 billion

• Tsvangirai flees Chiwenga's wife, journalist attacked

• CIO launched raid on Mnangagwa's office

• Judge makes U-turn on open trial

• Zimbabwe 'coup plotters' back in court

• Judge orders coup plot trial in open court

• Zim 'coup plotters' charged with treason

• Zimbabwe soldiers could starve in weeks, MPs told

• Air Force commander 'poisoned'

• Mugabe's guards in open rebellion

• US government sponsored Zim army

• Army blows US$1,3 million on new vehicles

• 40 'possessed students' withdrawn after Shiri visit

• Herald makes apology over Shiri story

• Zimbabwe splashes on new Chinese K-8 jets

• Mugabe says army will 'pull trigger' on opponents

By Lebo Nkatazo

ZIMBABWE has spent thousands of United States dollars acquiring luxurious Mazda 3 vehicles for army and police chiefs, at a time when the country has no foreign currency for essentials such as drugs, it has emerged.

Sources confirmed that the government two weeks ago took delivery of 10 Mazda 3s from dealer Puzey and Payne for the army, while a similar consignment was bought earlier for the police.

An official at Puzey and Payne said that each Mazda 3 cost US$16 607, plus a Zimbabwe dollar top up of $200 million.

Police chiefs have of late been spotted cruising in the sporty Mazda 3, while the ones for army chiefs have not been seen in public.

Military sources said the vehicles were still being fitted with extra accessories such as CD players before they could be issued out.

"It's only a matter of days. They have been delivered and technicians are working on the accessories," said a military source.

In addition, the army chefs have Toyota Prados and Mercedes Benz, depending on their ranks.

Meanwhile, the government has acquired hundreds of Toyota Yaris for the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO). CIO agents have been seen driving around in the brand new cars. It is believed that their bosses got the Mazda 3s also.

Critics say President Robert Mugabe's regime is splashing resources on the security agents to appease them in view of the economic crisis and rising political tensions ahead of next year's polls.

The army remains President Mugabe's center of power.

JOIN THE DEBATE ON THIS ARTICLE ON THE NEWZIMBABWE.COM FORUMS
editor@newzimbabwe.com