Mangoma called for questioning

MDC-T deputy treasurer Elton Mangoma, who was recently assaulted in Harare by youths allegedly aligned to party leader Morgan Tsvangirai, was on Thursday called for questioning by police as investigations into the matter continue.

Sources to 'The Herald' reportedly confirmed that Mangoma reported at Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Law and Order Section at Harare Central Police Station.

Mangoma was accompanied by his two aides when he reported at the police station. Police said they were still investigating the case and no arrests had been made.

A police source said they recorded a statement from Mangoma to help their investigations.

On Tuesday, Mangoma reported the case at Avondale Police Station and the docket was yesterday transferred to the CID Law and Order Section.

"Mangoma indicated that he was attacked by the party's youths," said the source.

The youths allegedly attacked Mangoma and youth leader Promise Mkwananzi outside the MDC-T headquarters on Saturday.

Secretary-general Tendai Biti reportedly escaped the mob by throwing himself into Tsvangirai's car, while another youth leader Solomon Madzore had to beat a hasty retreat into the party headquarters.

"In his report to the police, Mangoma said that he was assaulted by the party youths and we are now investigating the case," said the source.

Last Sunday, Tsvangirai claimed there was a "coup" plot against him and that some people wanted to "remove him violently" from his post.

Tsvangirai made the remarks to a crowd that showed up for a rally in Glen Norah, Harare, that was supposed to have been a major show of public support for the embattled MDC-T leader.

Mangoma, as have several other MDC-T officials, called on Tsvangirai to step down after leading the party to electoral losses against Zanu-PF and President Mugabe in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2013.