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(HERALD) Violence rocks Chitungwiza

Violence rocks Chitungwiza
Monday, 07 November 2011 00:00
Lloyd Gumbo and Felex Share Herald Reporters

VIOLENCE reared its ugly head again when MDC-T and Zanu-PF youths clashed in Chitungwiza yesterday. They attacked each other with stones, knobkerries and iron bars. The clashes started in the morning at Chibuku Stadium where MDC-T was scheduled to hold a rally.

Riot police fought running battles with the youths as they tried to quell the violence. At some point, the youths attacked policemen with stones.

Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Oliver Mandipaka said they were still investigating the violence and no arrests had been made by late last night.
He said police would "ruthlessly" deal with perpetrators of violence.

"We are still gathering information on what happened on the ground, but it is unnecessary for political parties to clash in that fashion.

"There is need for reason to prevail and we implore our officers on the ground not to relax and to deal with violent elements ruthlessly. It is unlawful and illegal to destroy the country in that way," he said.

Residents in the neighbourhood were forced to stay indoors to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

The rally had to be called off after the violence continued for about an hour.
MDC-T youths attacked a Zimpapers vehicle, shuttering one of its windows.

Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo said MDC-T youths had provoked the situation by forcing people to attend its rally.

"I was briefed of what they were doing on Saturday night and I think this morning they met their match in the form of angry Chitungwiza residents who did not want to go to the rally."

Addressing journalists in Harare soon after the skirmishes, MDC-T secretary-general Mr Tendai Biti blamed Zanu-PF for the violence.

He said this was a clear strategy by Zanu-PF to push them out of the inclusive Government.

Said Mr Biti: "Zanu-PF is using violence for the arbitration of political scores in the country. This is neither the beginning nor the end of systematic violence against our party but we will remain committed despite provocation.

"The police, despite clearing us, watched helplessly as our members were being assaulted."

Zanu-PF Chitungwiza district co-ordinating committee chairman Cde Wilfred Gwekwete distanced his party from the viole- nce.

He said MDC-T youths had intimidated residents on the eve of the planned rally.

"What has happened has got nothing to do with our party. They came with over 22 vehicles, intimidating residents to come for the rally. We made police reports on the issue," he said.

"As for the clashes, it might be angry residents who wanted to inquire why they were being forced to attend the rally. Put Zanu-PF out of this," he said.

The incident followed shortly after a group of MDC-T youths clashed with police officers in Harare.

Police were trying to arrest some vendors who had assaulted their colleagues and a musician who had complained about some pirated music disc.

Labels: CADRES, MDC VIOLENCE, TENDAI BITI

posted by MrK @ 8:24 PM