Violence has rocked the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance ahead of its elective congress slated for May, the Zim Morning Post has learnt.
Last Saturday violence broke out at the District elections where two factions are battling to take control of the party structures ahead of the May congress.
The former Deputy Mayor for Chitungwiza Jabulani Mtunzi is reportedly battling for life after being run over by the MDC Member of Parliament for Zengeza East Goodrich Chimbaira
Chimbaira, who according to witnesses was in a fit of rage ran over Mtunzi who had to be rescued by community members in Unit J after the legislator’s hired mob attacked the former deputy mayor.
While the cause of the violence was reportedly said to be emanating from the need to ensure that a faction affiliated to Vice president Elias Mudzuri won the district elections, it was also revealed that the legislator is on record threatening Mtunzi with unspecified action for expressing his interest to challenge him in the party’s primary elections come 2023.
“The battle between Mtunzi and Chimbaira is not about this congress. It is all about the 2023 election where Mtunzi has already expressed his willingness to challenge Chimbaira in the party primary elections,” said a source within the MDC.
In Warren Park all went well but commotion started during the main body election where issues of ballot paper staffing were raised and the election was cancelled.
“All went well but problems on the election of the Secretary General that is where we witnessed serious ballot stuffing and we decided to stop the election and the matter will be reported to Harvest House,” revealed our source.
MDC National Spokesperson Jacob Mafume said according to the information he has Mtunzi was not run over by Chimbaira and he still need to confirm if it is true that Mtunzi is in Hospital.
“Hon Chimbaira drives a white Fortuner and according to him he did not run over someone and if he did that we were supposed to get a police report and I am still trying to get in touch with Councilor Mtunzi to hear his side and also to confirm if he is in hospital,” said Mafume.
Political Analyst John Muchenje said “People should demonstrate maturity in politics. Such violence is unacceptable and shows lack of maturity like their leader Nelson Chamisa.”
“This clearly shows that MDCA was the party behind unsanctioned demonstration in which people lost lives and property worth millions of dollars, people should emulate Mnangagwa and not the childish and violent traits of Chamisa,” said Muchenje.
The MDC will go for its National congress from 24-26 May to elect a new national leadership.
