Chamisa, Zanu-PF MP in parliament scuffle

Kuwadzana East Member of Parliament Nelson Chamisa came close to being assaulted by his colleague - John Holder - following an altercation prompted by an alleged "you are illiterate'' jibe made during yesterday's debate.

Zvishavane-Ngezi legislator John Holder charged at Nelson Chamisa following what the youthful MP claimed could have been a misinterpreted statement.

"I don't know why tempers flared. Perhaps he was not happy with my opposition to the bill that was before the House," Chamisa told the Daily News after Parliament session.

"I stood on a point of order but the other MPs from Zanu-PF said that the point of order I was raising we don't know it, can you read it for us. So I said fine. That's when someone raised a point of order saying I had said they are illiterate.

"So Holder stood up and said I should sit down and withdraw but I said 'no I have no problem to read on behalf of those who cannot read'. But the speaker said I should withdraw and I said I have not said anything prohibited by Parliament. It's not offence; it does not violate any rules of Parliament."

Then commotion ensued as Holder charged at Chamisa before he was restrained by his colleagues.

Holder was last week accused by Glen Norah MP Webster Maondera (MDC) of attending Parliament while drunk, accusations which he did not take lightly.

He complained to the Speaker after the accusations, seeking protection from colleagues who made accusations which he said were unfounded.

Chamisa did not say whether last week's accusations against Holder could have been behind his unexpected rage against him.