June (Web-only) 2001

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According to newspaper reports, members of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF) and Zanu PF militias conducted a five-day military training session at St George's primary school in the Muchena area of Penhalonga, about 30 miles north of the eastern city of Mutare.

Francis Matambanadzo, education officer for the Anglican Diocese, confirmed to the Eastern Star, a weekly newspaper based in Mutare, that his church had received reports of the alleged militia training. The church was investigating the matter, he said.

Matamabanadzo said that after receiving complaints about the alleged military training, he had contacted the school. He was told that a group of people identifying themselves as ZDF members came to the school and asked to use its facilities. The ZDF members discussed the matter with one of the teachers as the headmaster was away.

Matambanadzo told the Eastern Star: "The teacher in question then consulted with a senior teacher who said to him they had no choice but to allow them to use the facilities."

Matambanadzo declined specify what the school facilities were used for. "I have not yet consulted Bishop Sebastian Bakare on the issue," he said.

The military training, according to sources, involved youths from the area who received training in martial arts, defense and street-fighting skills.

Giles Mutsekwa, the member of parliament for Mutare North and a member of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, alleged that the school had been used as a boarding and training area for the ruling Zanu ...