Mavhaire flees angry Zanu-PF mob

ZANU-PF politburo member, Dzikamai Mavhaire, had to run for dear life on Sunday from angry supporters who accused him of being a stooge and sympathiser of under-fire Vice-President, Joice Mujuru.
The VP is facing a glut of allegations that include corruption, nepotism and extortion.
Tempers flared at the revolutionary party's provincial meeting held on Sunday at Victoria Junior School in Masvingo when Mavhaire was accused of sympathising with VP Mujuru.
Mavhaire was accompanied by members perceived to be sympathetic to VP Mujuru who included ousted Masvingo provincial chair, Calisto Gwanetsa and former Masvingo governor, Titus Maluleke.
A source said Mavhaire and some senior party members had on Saturday tried to overturn a vote of no confidence that had two days earlier been passed against Gwanetsa at a meeting held at the Chief's Hall.
The source said the politburo member tried to smuggle the decision to reinstate Gwanetsa into the Masvingo provincial committee meeting held on Sunday.
It is alleged that the Saturday meeting which had purportedly "reversed" the vote of no confidence in Gwanetsa was improperly constituted as members did not form a quorum.
"The meeting could not go on because the two camps clashed. One camp supported the overturning of Gwanetsa's ouster while others were against the move. A dispute ensued and it degenerated into a fist fight between the two camps," said the source.
"When Mavhaire and company arrived, the other camp charged at them baying for the senior party member's blood forcing him and his team to scurry for cover. Sensing danger, Mavhaire and his team quickly got into their cars and sped off," the source added.
"They were lucky to leave the place unhurt because disgruntled members from the other camp wanted to assault them."
Efforts to get a comment from Mavhaire proved fruitless as his mobile was not reachable yesterday.
Gwanetsa refused to comment on the matter.
Former chairman, Lovemore Matuke condemned the violence.
He said Zanu-PF was a peace-loving party that does not condone violence.
"I am yet to get the full details of what exactly transpired but as a party we strongly condemn violence of any nature. I cannot comment on Mavhaire. When we have differences let us resolve those issues amicably without engaging in acts of violence," said Matuke.
Acting chairman Paradzai Chakona who replaced Gwanetsa after the vote of no confidence, could not be reached for comment.