MDC formations clash in Chikomba

after a top MDC-T official in Mashonaland East province reportedly said “Ndebeles should not rule Zimbabwe”.
The clashes occurred at Unyetu Business Centre. Supporters of the two formations had gone to the centre to attend a memorial service for a senior MDC-T official, Mushure Jangara, who died recently.
MDC national chairman Mr Goodrich Chimbaira said trouble started when the MDC-T member, who is also a legislator, arrived. He reportedly quizzed MDC secretary for recruitment for Chikomba, Mr Talent Marufu, why his party wanted Zimbabwe “to be ruled by a Ndebele, Prof Ncube”.
Tempers flared among members of the two parties, prompting the Jangara family to ask them to leave. They then proceeded to the business centre where they clashed.
“Trouble started when Patrick Turira (MDC-T) started assaulting our member, Admire Chakwizira. After that there was chaos at the township. Police have been looking for Turira and some MDC-T youths all along who are now on the run. To our surprise, police from Chivhu arrested our member Admire yesterday. They say the matter has been handed over to Law and Order Section,” he said.
Police sources said two suspects have been arrested in connection with the matter.
“Two people were arrested in connection with the matter and we charged them for public fighting,” said the source.
The MDC-T official yesterday confirmed attending Jangara’s memorial service, but denied making tribal remarks that sparked violence.
“I did not make such a statement. As a party, we believe all races and tribes should live together in Zimbabwe. Our party national chairman is Ndebele and our vice president is Ndebele. We believe people can elect whoever they want as president,” he said.
He said he attended Jangara’s memorial because he was a senior member of MDC-T. He, however, said he left for Bikita to attend a family function.
MDC spokesperson, Mr Kurauone Chihwayi, said it was shocking that some MDC-T officials were still engaged in tribal politics.
“His statements are degrading. We believe Zimbabwe is a family and should not be divided by people like him. His statements caused violence and I am sure police must be looking for him,” he said.
MDC-T spokesperson, Mr Douglas Mwonzora, however, denied that his party fanned tribalism. He said the MDC-T MP did not make any such tribal remarks because the “MDC was led by Professor Arthur Mutambara,” not Prof Ncube.
“It’s not the nature of the MDC-T to say such statements. He did not say that. Given that the person who has been arrested belongs to their party it means they are the ones who started violence,” he said.