DEFENCE AND SECURITY SERVICES PRESS STATEMENT

As your Defence and Security Services, we are heartened by your display of composure, order and discipline during various marches which occurred at the weekend without any public violence.

Meetings with His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde RG Mugabe have gone on in an atmosphere of mutual respect and several guarantees have been made. As your Defence and Security Services, we remain seized with the operation code named "Operation Restore Legacy". We are confident to take our beloved country out of its present circumstances and set it on the desired development trajectory.

Following the address to the Nation by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces last night, we have made further consultations with the President to agree on a Roadmap on the prevailing situation in the country.

The Zimbabwe Defence and Security Services are encouraged by new developments which include contact between the President and the former Vice President, Cde ED Mnangagwa, who is expected in the country shortly.

Thereafter, the nation will be advised on the outcome of talks between the two. In the meantime, His Excellency and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde RG Mugabe has started processes towards a definitive solution and roadmap for the country.

As this happens, we as the Zimbabwe Defence and Security Services urge Zimbabweans to remain calm and patient, fully observing and respecting the laws Of the country for the sustenance Of the precious peace we should never lose.

The Zimbabwe Defence and Security Services further urge other political players, including members of the ruling ZANU-PF, the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, Opposition Groups, Students, and generality of our people to refrain from any actions or activities that would threaten the peace, life and property. Students at the country's various institutions, are encouraged to be calm and to proceed with their educational programmes as scheduled. THEY NEED TO REMEMBER THAT, ONE DAY OF EDUCATION LOST IS DIFFICULT TO RECOVER.

Once again, as the Zimbabwe Defence and Security Services, we pay particular tribute to all Zimbabweans for the regard and support shown to us during the execution of Operation Restore Legacy. We remain a people's Force and Security Services, which is why uppermost on our mind is the conclusion of this whole operation with the minimum inconvenience and certainly without any collateral loss of life, injury or destruction of property.

Your Defence and Security Services will keep you informed of any new developments as they occur.

HARARE
20 NOVEMBER 2017