TellZim Reporter
The most senior army official from Masvingo province, Major-General Engelbert Rugeje has scoffed at the claims by Zanu PF politiburo member and Psychomotor minister, Josaya Hungwe, that he can hire him for political violence come election time.
While addressing Zanu PF members at Masvingo Polytechnic last month, Hungwe said Zanu PF would easily hire soldiers to thwart opposition political activities during elections. He further informed the gathering that the party would easily invite Rugeje to help Zanu PF.
However, Rugeje told this publication that he does not take orders from any politician including the Psychomotor minister.
“Look, I am an army General, I don’t get orders from minister Hungwe. I respect Hungwe as a minister but he has no right to tell people that he would hire me…on what grounds can Hungwe hire me. I get orders from my bosses and Hungwe is not one of them,” said Mjr-Gen Rugeje.
He refuted allegations that he was fanning violence in Bikita.
“I come from Bikita and I am usually in my rural home whenever I am not at work. The people of Bikita like me because they know that I am not violent at all. I respect the law and I know that in any case, I should be protecting Zimbabweans,” added Mjr-Gen Rugeje.
The army boss said members of the opposition and some politicians were out to tarnish his image.
“Some people especially members of the opposition are trying hard to soil my name for no reason. I hear them saying I once fired a gun in Mucheke stadium in 2008 – that’s a blue lie,” Mjr-Gen Rugeje said.news
