News / National
7 arrested after fighting at MDC-T meeting
11 May 2013 at 03:49hrs | Views
SEVEN MDC-T members were this week arrested in connection with scenes of political violence that erupted at a party meeting held at Gaza Hall in Chipinge on Sunday.
Police confirmed the arrest of the seven and could not shed more light. They said investigations were in progress with more arrests expected.
Assistant Manicaland provincial police spokesperson referred all questions to the Officer Commanding Police in Chipinge, Chief Superintendant Patrick Wasara, who refused to comment over the phone.
"I cannot talk about the issue over the phone. If you want more details you can come to Chipinge everything face to face, or else you can talk to the provincial spokespersons," he said.
Violence erupted on Sunday when MDC-T supporters had gathered at Gaza Hall to elect Ward Two and then district executives for Chipinge.
When contacted for comment, MDC-T provincial spokesperson, Mr Pishai Muchauraya, said the matter was being looked at by the national leadership.
"I have no comment to make apart from confirming that the matter is being dealt with by the national leadership. You can contact higher offices in the party for a comprehensive comment," he said.
Repeated efforts to get a comment from the party were fruitless at the time of going to Press as mobile phones were not being answered.
Chipinge District has 14 MDC-T administrative wards, eight in the urban and the remaining in outlying rural areas, but before they could elect district executive members, the party was obliged to have Ward Two elections, where there were some unresolved differences.
Sharp differences emerged on the modalities of having Ward Two elections resulting in some members of the party assaulting an aspiring Ward Two candidate.
The physical attack on the aspiring Ward Two candidate did not go down well with his sympathisers and a fierce brawl ensued.
However, some senior officials who attended the abandoned violent meeting included MDC-T national executive members, Ms Lucia Matibenga, who is also Public Service Minister, as well as members of the national organising committee, Amos Chibaya, Senator Keresenzia Chabuka and Magaret Chikonzo among others.
Party's Manicaland provincial chairman, Mr Julius Magarangoma was also present.
Provincial organising secretary, Mr Prosper Chapfiwa Mutseyami together with his provincial organising committee members that include provincial youth chairman, Mr Dennis Simango and women assembly provincial organising secretary, Ms Lucy Mutunzi were among part of the panel which intended to preside over the elections.
The abortive election pitted incumbent Chipinge East district chairperson Mr Godfrey Chenjerayi and the party's Chipinge South aspiring legislator, Mr Livingstone Dhlumo.
Prior to the MDC-T congress in 2011, setting up of district executive structures in Chipinge has been problematic with two candidates -Dhlumo and Chenjerai - vying for the post.
Police confirmed the arrest of the seven and could not shed more light. They said investigations were in progress with more arrests expected.
Assistant Manicaland provincial police spokesperson referred all questions to the Officer Commanding Police in Chipinge, Chief Superintendant Patrick Wasara, who refused to comment over the phone.
"I cannot talk about the issue over the phone. If you want more details you can come to Chipinge everything face to face, or else you can talk to the provincial spokespersons," he said.
Violence erupted on Sunday when MDC-T supporters had gathered at Gaza Hall to elect Ward Two and then district executives for Chipinge.
When contacted for comment, MDC-T provincial spokesperson, Mr Pishai Muchauraya, said the matter was being looked at by the national leadership.
"I have no comment to make apart from confirming that the matter is being dealt with by the national leadership. You can contact higher offices in the party for a comprehensive comment," he said.
Repeated efforts to get a comment from the party were fruitless at the time of going to Press as mobile phones were not being answered.
Sharp differences emerged on the modalities of having Ward Two elections resulting in some members of the party assaulting an aspiring Ward Two candidate.
The physical attack on the aspiring Ward Two candidate did not go down well with his sympathisers and a fierce brawl ensued.
However, some senior officials who attended the abandoned violent meeting included MDC-T national executive members, Ms Lucia Matibenga, who is also Public Service Minister, as well as members of the national organising committee, Amos Chibaya, Senator Keresenzia Chabuka and Magaret Chikonzo among others.
Party's Manicaland provincial chairman, Mr Julius Magarangoma was also present.
Provincial organising secretary, Mr Prosper Chapfiwa Mutseyami together with his provincial organising committee members that include provincial youth chairman, Mr Dennis Simango and women assembly provincial organising secretary, Ms Lucy Mutunzi were among part of the panel which intended to preside over the elections.
The abortive election pitted incumbent Chipinge East district chairperson Mr Godfrey Chenjerayi and the party's Chipinge South aspiring legislator, Mr Livingstone Dhlumo.
Prior to the MDC-T congress in 2011, setting up of district executive structures in Chipinge has been problematic with two candidates -Dhlumo and Chenjerai - vying for the post.
Source - manicapost
