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(SUNDAY MAIL ZW) Intra-party violence rocks MDC-T in SA

Intra-party violence rocks MDC-T in SA
Sunday, 12 February 2012 00:00
Tintswalo Baloyi in Johannesburg

Police in South Africa have launched a manhunt for three top Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) South Africa executives following intra-party violence which led to the kidnapping of the party's Johannesburg district chairman. South Africa Police Service (SAPS) at Hillbrow last week confirmed they were hunting for MDC-T South Africa branch external secretary-general Nhamo Chikowore, organising secretary Shelton Chiyangwa and Johannesburg Youth District chairman Giyani Dube.

The trio, believed to be hiding in Springs, are wanted in connection with the kidnapping and torture of the MDC-T district chairman for Johannesburg, Ishmael Kauzani. Kwanele Moyo is the external chairman for MDC-T South Africa and is suspected to be behind the kidnapping and torture of Kauzani.

"We are investigating a case of kidnapping and torture, but the suspects are on the run," said one of the investigating police constables. Police said the investigations were at an advanced stage adding the net was slowly closing in on the suspected kidnappers and torturers.

A docket on kidnapping and torture was opened on Monday at Hillbrow Police Station against the three MDC-T top officials for South Africa.
In an attempt to cover up the violent nature and lawlessness in the party, the officials issued an unsigned Press statement claiming that they were were being threatened with death.

An internal party memo read: "The leadership of the MDC SA Province has received death threats from some known and unknown assailants.

"Serious threats have been made on the lives of the secretary-general Nhamo Chikowore; the chairperson of the Youth Assembly, Giyani Dube; and organising secretary Shelton Chiyangwa. The leadership of the party is taking these threats seriously and currently consulting widely before appropriate action is taken."

The intra-MDC-T South Africa fighting is believed to be driven by power struggles, tribalism and greed. Early this month, members from rival factions in the MDC-T clashed during a party restructuring exercise for the Zvishavane-Ngezi district assembly.

The skirmishes led to the arrest of Ward 8 assembly organising secretary Mr Maxwell Chipa, who was accused of stabbing district youth assembly secretary Mr Richard Shava with a screwdriver.

Labels: MDC, MDC VIOLENCE, POLITICAL VIOLENCE, SOUTH AFRICA

posted by MrK @ 7:13 PM