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(HERALD) MDC-T factionalism hits new levels

MDC-T factionalism hits new levels
Friday, 24 June 2011 01:00
Herald Reporter

Factionalism in MDC-T has reached new levels with St Mary's MP Mr Marvellous Khumalo complaining to the party leadership of being threatened with death by Zengeza East legislator Mr Alexio Musundire.

It is understood Mr Khumalo belongs to Mr Morgan Tsvangirai's faction while Mr Musundire who is the party's provincial chairperson in Chitungwiza is linked to party's secretary-general Mr Tendai Biti's camp. In his letter to the party's provincial secretary, identified as Mr Parirenyatwa Chari, Mr Khumalo, said he now feared for his life over personal differences he had with Mr Musundire.

"He has threatened to murder me. To prove this case, Mr Musundire in his capacity as the de-facto provincial chairperson has not stopped working with an MDC expelled ward one councillor Adam Puzo, whom he calls shadow St Marys MP," reads the letter in part.

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"I have also noted with deep concern that most of the times I drive in and around Chitungwiza, unknown people track me down. Some do even call on my cell phone numbers but do not disclose their identity."

Mr Khumalo said he felt duty bound to tell the party leadership for action to be taken.

"It is against this background, that I deem it necessary to alert my family and the entire party leadership and structures that in case of an injury to myself, property or attempt on my life, Mr Musundire must and will be held responsible," he said.

The legislator also complained that a similar report was made earlier to the party but no action was taken.

"I hope that this communication will kick-start a process to a solution to this security risk," he said.

On Mr Mhashu's case party supporters said the provincial council has not yet met since the party held its violent congress in Bulawayo and wondered why Mr Mhashu was seconded to the national executive as representing Chitungwiza.

"It now appears like people are fighting Mr Mhashu as an individual yet they are questioning the procedure which is flawed . . . we have no problem with his ascendancy," said one source.

Mr Musundire admitted to have seen the letter but declined to comment further saying doing so would legitimise falsehoods and malicious statements against him by Mr Khumalo.

"I don't have the capacity to trail a person and why would I?" quipped Mr Musundire.
The provincial executive council, said Mr Musundire, was still to convene a meeting to elect a representative of the province to the national executive post.

A source close to Mr Musundire, said Mr Khumalo was making the allegations in his bid to divert attention of allegations that he abused the Constituency Development Fund.
Several MDC-T supporters recently besieged his house demanding payment for work they had done, which they were told would come from CDF.

Mr Musundire is also under fire from some party supporters for allegedly seconding Mr Mhashu to the national executive without consulting other provincial party members.
In the run-up to the party's congress in Bulawayo, clashes were witnessed over the composition of provincial executive structures.

The fights pitted factions led by State Enterprises and Parastatals Minister Mr Gorden Moyo and Mzilikazi Senator Matson Hlalo.

The supporters fought running battles in the run up to the party's congress that was marred by violence and infighting, leaving scores injured.

There were also some skirmishes in other provinces, with supporters fighting for places at the Bulawayo congress.

The MDC-T youths' violence record is well documented and some of them are being accused killing a police officer recently in Glen View and have since appeared in court.

Labels: MDC FACTIONS, MDC VIOLENCE

posted by MrK @ 4:12 PM