A young soldier who fired several rounds of live ammunition earlier this week while on guard duty at State House has a troubled history and wanted to resign from the military after serving three years.
The soldier – who has been identified as Private Magadu – is reported to have been sent for mental examination following the shooting incident, the Daily News reports. The publication’s source is quoted as saying:
Without any warning, the soldier pumped 30 shots into the air, sending many people into a panic before some brave soldiers close to him managed to apprehend him as he was reloading his gun.
The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon and I understand that the soldier is currently detained.
The soldier is reported to have been among 9 others who wrote resignation letters and took them to Commanding Officer Samson Murombo — who, however, allegedly tore up them.
The incident comes soon after both Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and her permanent secretary, Mark Grey Marongwe, informed Members of Parliament about the desperate financial situation that is currently confronting the military.