Strangers in Parliament flushed out

Four unidentified youths yesterday sneaked into the National Assembly waving placards, denigrating President Robert Mugabe.

The group seated in the public gallery, stunned MPs when one of them stood up and demanded to be recognised by deputy Speaker, Mabel Chinomona, who was in the chair, claiming they had petitioned the house to attend to their grievances.

One of the youths asked the madam speaker if they could be recognised since they had something to say.

Chinomona told the youths that they were not members of the National Assembly and had no right to demand attention.

She asked the sergeant-arms, together with security, to take them out.

The team was hauled into the parliament security office before being taken to Harare Central Police Station for questioning.