Violent clashes at Zanu-PF meeting

Zanu-PF Harare provincial vice chairperson Godwin Gomwe allegedly assaulted his superior, Goodwill Masimirembwa, during a party meeting which turned violent.

Gomwe was brought to court on summons Wednesday facing assault charges

Prosecutors allege he left Masimirembwa with a scratch on one of his legs after he allegedly threw a chair at him.

He was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi and will be back in court on October 25 for trial.

The complainant Masimirembwa chairs the province.

According to court papers, Gomwe attacked Masimirembwa for failing to notify him about a meeting.

Allegations are that on September 24 the complainant was at Zanu-PF Provincial Headquarters attending a meeting to do with issues raised in the on-going Zanu-PF district elections in Harare.

It is alleged that the meeting ended at around 13:15pm and around that time Gomwe arrived at the party offices complaining that the meeting was held without him being notified.

The complainant allegedly advised him that notice of the meeting was sent through a whatsapp message.

Gomwe allegedly went on to allege that the complainant was creating fictitious party districts to facilitate the rigging of elections in favour of Minister Oliver Chidhau in the forthcoming Zanu-PF provincial elections.

It is alleged the accused used abusive language towards the complainant saying "ndirikuda kukumamisa Masimirembwa urikuda kuriga maelections uchiitira Chidhau kuti aite chairman, ndoda kukuputitsa zidumbu iroro. (I want to beat you Masimirembwa, you are plotting to rig elections so that Chidhau can become the chairman. I want to rip that fat belly of yours up," Gomwe allegedly shouted

The court heard that Gomwe them picked a chair and threw it onto the legs of Masimirembwa who was seated.

The chair is held as exhibit.