Mugabe assassination plot suspects runs for dear life

MASHONALAND CENTRAL - Zanu-PF Politburo member Nicholas Goche had to run for dear life yesterday fleeing Zanu-PF youths in Bindura who were baying for his blood after he was implicated in the plot to assassinate President Mugabe.

Goche sneaked out of the meeting at Mayfair Lodge where he intended to submit his application for a Central Committee position.

The youths led by Mashonaland Central youth league chairman Godfrey Tsenangamu said Goche displayed disrespect of the highest order by plotting to kill the President and as such was unfit to occupy such a senior post in the party.

Goche was rescued after Politburo member Saviour Kasukuwere calmed the youths who had blocked the main gate and he had to be whisked away in his black Toyota Landcruiser, an hour later after arriving for the meeting.

He is reported to have told officials during the meeting that he wanted to withdraw his CV and leave the venue.

At first he attempted to use another gate but the youths went and blocked it. This occurred after the youths had been addressed by the provincial acting chairperson Wonder Mashange, Politburo member George Rutanhire and Tongai Kasukuwere at the main gate.

Kasukuwere later intervened and asked the youths to let Goche leave the venue using the main gate around 12noon.

The youths gave them a petition in which they said all those who had been implicated in plotting to assassinate President Mugabe should not submit their CVs.

The petition had a list of 10 senior officials barred from submitting their CVs who are Goche, David Butau, Criswell Mutematsaka, Kenneth Shupikai Musanhi, Sydney Chidamba, Joseph Mapiki, Elphas Kanhanga, Christopher Chitindi, Obert Mutasa and Dugmore Chimukoko.

Mutematsaka, Kanhanga, Ratidzai Marumahoko and Edgar Chidavaenzi attended the meeting briefly but were chased away by the youths.

On Saturday, President Mugabe questioned Goche over reports that he approached hit men to assassinate him.