Zanu-PF youths attack guard for failure to fly flag at half mast

THERE was mayhem at the Gweru Government Complex when an official from the Department of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Development went berserk and attacked a security officer manning the complex's main gate for failing to fly the national flag at half mast in honour of the late national hero, Erick Nyakudya Gwanzura.

Musasa Mashingaidze, a provincial youth officer, had to be restrained by officials from the Ministry of State for Provincial Affairs in Midlands' province, Jason Machaya, as he attacked the security officer with fists.

Witnesses said police had to be called in to arrest Mashingaidze after he turned against officials from Machaya's office and threatened to beat them up for restraining him from "beating up a sellout".

"By the time the police arrived at the  scene, people from various departments had gone out of their offices to watch the unfolding drama. Mashingaidze was now threatening to attack officials from Machaya's office for restraining him," a witness said.

"Mashingaidze, who is said to be a war veteran, was saying officials from Machaya's office were not supposed to stop him from beating the sellout who failed to honour the late Gwanzura by flying the flag at half mast," said the witness.

A source said Mashingaidze was tasked by the Provincial Public Service Commissioner on Friday to visit all government departments informing them to fly their flags at half mast following the announcement that the late Gwanzura had been declared national  hero.

"When he left the complex he told the security officers manning the complex's main gate to lower their flag but was enraged when he returned and found the flag at the complex still flying high.

"He reprimanded the security official who was on duty the same day and everyone thought the issue was now water under the bridge," said the source.

It is understood that Mashingaidze confronted the same security guard yesterday morning as he was entering the main gate and told him that he was still not happy with the Friday incident.

"Mashingaidze suddenly became violent and started punching the security officer," said the source.

The Officer Commanding Police Midlands Province, senior Assistant Commissioner Charles Makono confirmed the incident.

"I understand there was a scuffle which occurred in the morning (yesterday) at the Government Complex and police attended the scene.

"You can check with our provincial spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, I think he has the details," he said.