Last week, the army and police attacked University of Zimbabwe students who had embarked on a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with their striking lecturers. Some students were severely injured in the process. Government is also preparing to repress the expected popular uprising against its policies which have impacted negatively on the economy and have resulted in the impoverishment of many Zimbabweans. The situation in the army camps has also reportedly become tense and the camps themselves more politicised. You wear or carry anything with red at your own risk.
Government is jittery about the mass action.
MDC supporters have been using the red card as their symbol of dissent. They also carry around red whistles. The army denied that it had barred members from taking leave. We are not aware that any soldiers have been banned from taking leave. As you well know, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces are currently on active service in the DRC and as such all the administrative procedures derive from the Defence Act and its attendant regulations.