Zanu-PF supporters seriously injured after an attack by Tsvangirai's supporters

TWO Zanu-PF supporters were seriously injured, while several others escaped with minor injuries on Sunday afternoon following clashes between the ruling party and MDC-T followers in Budiriro.

Six MDC-T supporters have since been arrested in connection with the case.

Cdes Monica Gwazawani and Polous Matsvororo were taken to Harare Central Hospital for treatment.

Gwazawani's hand and leg were fractured while Matsvororo had a deep cut on the left hand. Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Memory Pamire confirmed the incident.

She said investigations were in progress.

"We confirm receiving such a report and we are currently investigating the matter. As police we do not condone any form of violence and perpetrators will be brought to book without fear or favour," she said. According to Matsvororo, they were conducting a district meeting when rowdy MDC-T youths who were travelling in two kombis and three private vehicles confronted them.

The youths were reportedly armed with axes, iron bars and sharp objects.

"They were singing and chanting party slogans before they attacked us. I was injured when I blocked one of the youths who wanted to attack me using an axe," he said. Gwazawani said she was attacked by six people when she fell down.

"I was kicked all over my body by six MDC-T supporters after I had fallen down during the attack. They were all wearing their party regalia," she said.

Zanu-PF Harare youth chairman Godfrey Gomwe yesterday expressed concern over the attacks. "It is my hope that the full wrath of the law will take its course against the perpetrators. From the reports that I got, the MDC-T MP for Budiriro, Cosmas Machingauta, incited the violence and he should be arrested," he said.

He said Mr Machingauta was being protected by a senior police officer.

"He is the one who gave his juniors orders not to arrest Machingauta. He also instructed that Machingauta should go home and come back to the police station the following day (yesterday). As a party we have since filed a complaint against the police in connection with the case and it is my hope that the matter will be investigated further," he said.

Gomwe denied reports that he was the one who incited the violence.

MDC-T spokesperson Mr Obert Gutu claimed three opposition party members were hospitalised at Avenues Clinic following the skirmishes.

"Six others were arrested after they were attacked by a Zanu-PF mob during an MDC youth mobilisation and recruitment exercise in Budiriro on Sunday. It was in fact the victims who were arrested as the police once again showed their bias in the wake of the resurgence of Zanu-PF violence," he said. He said MDC-T youths were conducting a visibility campaign when the incident occurred.