13 injured in Zimbabwe army mock battle

13 injured in Zimbabwe army mock battle

IN THE DOCK: The army is said to have used live ammunition during a mock exercise

• 55 percent of Zim soldiers HIV positive

By Agencies

THIRTEEN people were injured during a military drill at an agricultural show in Zimbabwe when some of the soldiers' rifles malfunctioned, police and army officials said on Sunday.

The soldiers took part in a mock battle at the fair in Marondera, 80 km (50 miles) east of Harare, on Saturday, police spokesman Oliver Mandipaka told state television.

He said 13 people were injured, three seriously. "Those who were injured in this unfortunate accident were injured by shrapnel," he said in a statement.

Earlier, the independently owned Standard newspaper quoted an unnamed hospital official as saying 15 people had been injured -- two may even have died -- when the soldiers "apparently used live ammunition during their demonstration".

In a separate statement to state media, an army spokesman said: "Several people were injured yesterday when some rifles that were being fired by members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) from 22 Infantry Battalion malfunctioned during mock battle drills in which blank ammunition was used."

The statement said the cause of the malfunction was being investigated.

"The incident is regrettable and the Zimbabwe National Army wishes to convey its sincere apologies to the injured people and their families," it said - Reuters
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