Infighting within Zanu-PF's Bulawayo province reaches new heights

Infighting within Zanu-PF's Bulawayo province reached new heights yesterday, as rival groups fought running battles, in defiance of national chairman, Simon Khaya-Moyo who had called the meeting.

About 1 000 party members cramped into Davis Hall to discuss the draft constitution but chaos broke out when members of the youth league refused to be addressed by provincial chairman, Killian Sibanda.

The women's league responded by accusing the youth league of disrespect and insubordination, resulting in a melee, as members openly exchanged blows.

Khaya-Moyo unsuccessfully tried to quell the riotous members, but they responded by denouncing him.

His car was briefly blocked at the gate by the marauding youths, who forced Khaya-Moyo to chant some slogans.

He responded by saying "kuzalunga, kuzalunga" (it shall be fine).

Riot police kept an eye on the situation, although they did not intervene.

The disgruntled youths then turned their fury on Sibanda, as they menacingly recited slogans denouncing him and threatening to make the province ungovernable.

Zanu-PF youths have threatened to sponsor a vote of no confidence in Sibanda, as happened with his predecessor, Isaac Dakamela.