MDC-T leaders assaulted in Mbare

Three youth leaders of the Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai were on Tuesday allegedly assaulted by a group of ruling Zanu-PF supporters, leaving them for dead.

One of the youth leaders suffered a broken rib and lost four teeth in the attack in Harare's Mbare high density suburb.

The three, according to party spokesman Obert Gutu, sustained serious injuries that left them hospitalized.

The MDC youth leaders, James Chidhakwa, Rhino Mashaya and Keith Charumbira were attacked while having lunch after earlier attending a court hearing in which 17 party supporters were remanded in custody for alleged violent behavior during clashes with Zanu-PF supporters in Harare South Sunday.

Also on trial was the MDC's Harare provincial chairperson, Eric Murayi.

"The three sustained grave injuries, with Mashaya losing four teeth and a fractured rib, while Chidhakwa and Charumbira sustained deep head cuts," party spokesman Gutu said.

"The attack was brutal and unprovoked. No doubt Zanu-PF has reignited its terror thugs to start terrorizing the people of Zimbabwe, especially those in the opposition. We call on Zanu-PF to desist from engaging such violent tendencies."

The three have been admitted at a Harare Hospital.