Thousands of former National Youth Training Service recruits and ZANU PF youths, who were improperly recruited into the public service, today thronged several banks in Harare demanding their salaries. The youths, who are illegally employed by the Ministry of Youth as ZANU PF ward, district or provincial youth officers, brought business to a virtual halt at some banks and nearby shops as they violently demanded their salaries.

Some banks and nearby shops closed briefly as they feared the youths could turn violent and loot their goods. At some banks, such as First Banking Corporation along Nelson Mandela Avenue, police had to be brought in to restore order. Over 30000 ZANU PF youths were illegally recruited by Saviour Kasukuwere in 2008 for the terror campaign ahead of the June 2008 presidential run-off after ZANU PF had been defeated by the earlier round of the harmonised plebiscite.

The State sponsored violence of 2008 led to the deaths of over 500 youths while thousands sustained serious injuries and others had their property and livestock looted. At present, the youths are known for being notorious in fanning violence especially in the rural areas against those who are perceived to be MDC supporters. The infamous youth training camps were abolished last year following the formation of the inclusive government.

The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts in January gave a directive to the Public Service Commission, the ministries of Youth and Public Service to correct the anomalies regarding the illegal employment of the ZANU PF youth officers.

(Source: via email)