Zambia delays start of school year as cholera deaths rise
ANA
A week ago, Mozambican soldiers allegedly crossed into Zimbabwe and stole more than 50 cattle from Zimbabwean families.
Neighbours Zimbabwe and Mozambique appear headed for a border war after cattle rustlers, said to be members of the Mozambican army, terrorised villagers at the border.
More than 5 000 villagers have been evacuated to pave way for an operation against the militants dressed in Mozambican uniforms, who have been accused of stealing villagers’ livestock.
It is reported they are members of the governing Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) deployed alongside Zimbabwean counterparts to quash terror attacks by the militant elements of the Mozambique National Resistance (Renamo).
Village head Tasara Zamuchiya of the Manyika people at the border confirmed the Zimbabwe forces had issued a three-day ultimatum ordering all families to vacate the buffer zone as “a full-blown war could not be ruled out”.
“Tension is high, and people are scared they might be caught up in the crossfire,” said the headman.
A week ago, Mozambican soldiers allegedly crossed into Zimbabwe and stole more than 50 cattle from Zimbabwean families.
Chipinge South legislator Enock Porusingazi confirmed the situation were tense between Zimbabwe and Mozambique forces at the borderline. He expressed concern at the short notice given to villagers to move.
“These villagers have been living in the buffer zone since 1996, and to expect them to move safely within just three days without any assistance is a big gamble,” said the legislator.
He urged the Mozambican government to educate locals to preach peace at the border to curb war.
Several Zimbabwean villagers said they were living in fear of raids by Mozambican cattle rustlers. “They come at night with guns and raid our cattle,” said Danai Marange.
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