Violence mars MDC-T rallies as journalists are barred

MDC-T officials today barred journalists from entering three rallies in Bulawayo that were meant to be addressed by the party president Morgan Tsvangirai.

The rallies were part of Tsvangirai's nationwide tour calling on his supporters to boycott the June 10 by-elections.

Attempts by journalists, from both the public and private media, to enter the three venues where Tsvangirai was addressing party supporters were futile after security personnel said they were instructed not to allow journalists to enter the venues.

The rallies took place in Luveve, Pumula and Mpopoma. Party supporters aligned to Vice President Thokozani Khuphe were mobilizing to stage a demonstration against the MDC-T leader, advocating the party to take part in the forthcoming by-elections.

"We do not want Tsvangirai to address us yet he wants to tell us that he wants to boycott elections. Honestly today we'll fight because his decisions do not make sense," said a party supporter who declined anonymity.

The skirmishes saw Tsvangirai boycotting the Luveve rally amid reports that party supporters were not interested in his call for reform change. Tsvangirai once again fuelled infighting when he humiliated Thokozani Khuphe in front of party supporters, saying some party officials were dividing party supporters.

"We are calling for top member officials not to divide party supporters. It cripples the party further," he said.

This is not the first time the leader humiliated his deputy, after she was humiliated at a meeting of the national executive were a group of demonstrators from the women's wing chanted insults at her for her pro-elections stance. However, acting provincial chairperson Dorcas Sibanda attempted to bring supporters in the Pumula venue after Tsvangirai took time to arrive at the venue. Some of the supporters however left the venue and did not attend the rally.

Tsvangirai is expected to address party supporters tomorrow in Tsholotsho, although his candidate Busani Ncube is contesting on an independent ticket.