The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
THE Executive Interaction Initiative (EII) Bulawayo Chapter is set to hold a fun shoot that will see members of the public interacting with Zimbabwe National Army members at Imbizo Barracks Shooting Range on Saturday.
The main event on the day will be the fun shoot that is open to members of the public with participants handling pistols, AK 47s and machine guns. The fun shoots are held throughout the country and each province hosts its own shoots with one national event being held annually.
EII deputy patron, Commander Bulawayo District Colonel Rantham Moyo encouraged women to come in their numbers as the shooting takes place in a safe and controlled environment to ensure there are no mishaps.
Speaking at a Press conference held at Imbizo Barracks on Thursday evening, Col Moyo said to make the day a complete family fun day they will also have a jumping castle for children, music and braai.
“I know people would be worried about handling guns thinking it’s not safe to bring their kids but I want to assure them this is a safe activity with close supervision from army personnel who are well versed in handling arms.
“People should be free to join us on the day and in order to achieve gender balance we are pleading with women to come in their numbers on the day. The event presents a relaxed environment where civilians can interact with ZNA members without any hassles,” he said.
Moyo said one of the aims of the event was to demystify the gun and myths that have seen the creation of a divide between army members and the public.
He appealed to business community to assist them host a successful event through material and financial donations.
Moyo said this is the first of three fun shoots the EII intends to hold this year.
EII Bulawayo Chapter chairman, businessman, Jabulani Nkomo said it was an opportunity for people to be comfortable around firearms while those already in possession of guns can understand them better.
“Shooting is an exciting and intriguing activity especially if you are doing it for the first time. Remember its real bullets with real guns but we are always monitored by the military to tell us the dos and don’ts but it’s all for fun,” he said.
Moyo said each shoot will cost $5 and those unable to access cash can make transfers to their bank account and they will also have the EcoCash payment option on the day.
“People can transfer to our bank account, HQ Bulawayo District Regimental Institute Imbizo Barracks, account number, 1020183650183 FBC Jason Moyo and bring the proof on the day,” he said.
Proceeds from the fun shoot are donated to charity. The EII started 13 years ago at the behest ZNA Commander, Lt. Gen.
Philip Valerio Sibanda as way of creating synergies between the military and business community in order to create cordial and mutually beneficially interactive relationships between the two bodies.
