Zanu-PF fights: House bombed

A petrol bomb was thrown at the family home of a Zanu-PF youth leader in Harare, fuelling speculation that the attack was faction-related.

Penelope Makomeya, the Zanu-PF Mbuya Nehanda district chairperson,  was yesterday targeted in a petrol bomb attack on her home in Highfield.

Makomeya, one of the youths beaten up during a meeting last month called by politburo member Cleveria Chimeza where politburo member Tendai Savanhu and Harare chairman Amos Midzi were accused of attempting to block the ascendancy of the first lady Grace Mugabe, said the petrol bomb was thrown at the house in the early hours of Sunday afternoon.

The attack follows a series of denials against reports that the Harare Province was opposed to Grace's ascendancy and amid fears that heads could roll at the forthcoming Zanu-PF congress in December.

The Harare leadership has rejected accusations that it was against Grace's ascendancy, and offered the first lady a seat in the party central committee.

The  Zanu-PF Harare provincial executive - consisting of Midzi, Savanhu, provincial political commissar Shadreck Mashayamombe, Women's League boss Angeline Matambanadzo, former youth chair Jim Kunaka and other Central Committee members - yesterday visited the house.

Makomeya told the Harare leadership that there was extensive damage to the bedroom after the afternoon bombing.  The attack happened while she had gone to the shops. She said she was alerted by neighbours that her house was on fire.

After touring the bombed room,  Savanhu said the incident was most unfortunate.

"I have seen the room that was bombed and this is very bad," Savanhu said.

"But there is one thing that bothers me. If you remember some few weeks ago, the chairperson was one of the youths beaten during a certain meeting and now her house has been bombed."

Savanhu said the bombing was a bid to tempt Makomeya.

"This shows me that there are people who want to test and tempt you. Even Christians are tempted. In politics this always happens but I want to encourage you."

Savanhu said he did not want to speculate who was behind the bombing but said he would be guided by the police report.

Midzi was more philosophical.

"The truth is the truth and we walk the truth," he said. "The truth will set you free."

Mashayamombe said the party would assist Makomeya recover all her lost property.

Makomeya said party members should learn to solve problems amicably.