Police, MDC youths in violent attacks

The vindication of Prophets Emmanuel Makandiwa and Walter Magaya of the UFIC and PHD Ministries respectively, that 'there could be bloodshed if prayer is not made' might have started.

The dragging of a screaming female vendor into a waiting truck by members of the ZRP and municipal police was the matchstick that led to the 'bornfire'. The incident occurred near Midlands Hotel, at around 1100hrs - in full view of this reporter.

About a hundred MDC-T youths, most of them adorned in red t- shirt rushed to the screaming woman's rescue. In no-time Gweru citizens from all walks of life joined in, pleading with the police to set 'the poor woman free.'

Top MDC-T official Thabita Khumalo (I took photos of the incident) also pleaded with police to let the woman go.

A youngster from the group, which reports say is going to a rally to be addressed by MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai at Mkoba Stadium later today, began singing, and all hell broke loose when the angry youth joined in. Police seized the youth, but they were overpowered by the group, which beat some of them in the process. We also understand a cop' cap was taken away from him by the marauding, furious team.

Here are posts from the WhatsApp group Gweru Today

1048hrs - Chaos outside Midands Hotel

1049hrs - Police attacking MDC youths

1050hrs - MDC-T youths overpower police

56minutes ago - Police regroup, return armed in anti-riot gear.

55minutes ago - They moved to Fifth Street

55minutes ago - MDC-T youths grouped within Midlands Hotel car park area

47mintes ago - The Dispol (Gweru Urban) head of police arrives

47minutes ago - So does Gweru Urban MP Sesel Zvidzai

39 minutes ago - ZRP Crowd- control vehicle plus Support Unit group arrives.

The Dispol was heard (by this reporter) saying 'ngavangotipa hat yedu tiende' In the meantime heavily armed police details are sealing up all entrances and exits into Midlands Hotel.