Zanu-PF, police probe meeting disruption

Police in Manicaland Province have opened a formal investigation and begun a manhunt following an incident in which unidentified individuals forced their way into the boardroom at Rekayi Tangwena Government Complex, disrupting a Zanu-PF Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting on Monday.

The chaotic event, captured on viral video clips circulating on social media, prompted the deployment of an investigative team from Zanu-PF national headquarters in Harare, led by party security personnel, to Mutare for internal inquiries.

The PEC meeting, intended to review the state of the party in the province, had already descended into disorder when rival factions clashed over proceedings. Provincial Chairman Tawanda Mukodza aborted the session after members shouted, banged desks, and exchanged insults.

A faction opposing his leadership attempted to continue the meeting under Sam Matema, the provincial secretary for administration. At that point, a group of unidentified intruders stormed the boardroom, ordering attendees to leave, climbing on tables, and shouting that the meeting had already been terminated. Plain-clothes police officers witnessed the disruption.

Following the intrusion, some party officials filed complaints at Mutare Central Police Station, prompting uniformed officers to restore order. No arrests were made initially, as the intruders had already fled. However, sources indicate that some suspect vehicles were impounded and roadblocks were set up in Mutare as authorities attempt to apprehend those responsible.

The Zanu-PF National Commissariat Department has since taken control of the situation, reviewing written reports from both factions. National Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha confirmed that internal investigations are ongoing but declined to provide a timeline or details on outcomes.

Meanwhile, Secretary for Security Lovemore Matuke reiterated that the party will investigate the incident, while Secretary for Information and Publicity Christopher Mutsvangwa criticised party detractors for the disruption.

The meeting's agenda included a report by provincial political commissar Albert Nyakuedzwa, focusing on cell restructuring, upcoming national events such as National Youth Day and Independence Day, and mobilisation strategies to demonstrate Manicaland's organisational strength. Chaos reportedly erupted when Buhera West legislator Tafadzwa Mugwadi was instructed to limit his comments, sparking outrage from other members.

Authorities and the party have vowed to restore order and discipline, warning that interference in lawful political gatherings will not be tolerated, regardless of political affiliation.