Senior MDC-T official murdered

The MDC-T says it is saddened by the gruesome murder of Mr Albert Vhiriri, a senior member and founder of the party who died on Wednesday in Harare in a suspicious case of politically motivated violence. Mr Vhiriri, a pensioner, died on arrival at the Harare Central Hospital. He was discovered by neighbours late Wednesday afternoon in his room unconscious, naked and lying on the bloodied floor with serious injuries all over his body.

No arrests have been made so far.

The MDC-T said it notes with concern that Mr Vhiriri's death comes barely a week after the three main political principals had met in Harare and denounced any form of violence. However, it is clear that some members in Zanu PF, especially the notorious gang Chipangano have not taken heed of this call and continue to unleash violence. The MDC-T said it is further concerned that the death of Mr Vhiriri comes at a time when Zanu PF chairperson Simon Khaya Moyo is busy encouraging his party supporters to be violent.

MDC-T urges the police to carry out thorough investigations into Vhiriri's death and bring the culprits to book urgently. Since the formation of the MDC in 1999, Mr Vhiriri remained resolute in his fight for real change in Zimbabwe and will be sadly missed by all in the MDC.

The MDC-T said it extends its condolences to the Vhiriri family and relatives. His body will be ferried tonight to Vhiriri Village in Buhera, his rural home for burial tomorrow, Saturday.