CIOs raid MDC-T offices

MDC-T Matabeleland South offices in Gwanda were yesterday raided by security agents who quizzed staff over motorbikes stored in the party's provincial offices as the siege against Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's party escalates ahead of harmonised elections.

The raid came hardly a week after a similar raid was conducted in Mashonaland Central where police confiscated 15 motorcycles belonging to the MDC-T intended for the party's campaign activities in President Robert Mugabe's perceived stronghold.

About seven plain-clothed security agents stormed the offices mid-morning and "terrified" staff in the process.

MDC-T Matabeleland South administrator Mduduzi Tshuma was questioned together with several officials.

The MDC-T offices are located in the central business district.

"The men who identified themselves as security agents quizzed staff members as to how the party procured the motorbikes and what we are using them for. It was very intimidating," said the source.

MDC-T provincial chairperson Watchy Sibanda confirmed the raid.

"I have been phoned by staff in the office about the raid," he said.
"As MDC-T we view this as intimidation, a ploy to derail our operations, especially the election campaign.

"How do you mobilse people without transportation?" asked Sibanda.

"We have several motorbikes in Gwanda and we use them for our day-to-day operations."

No material was seized during the raid.