MPs in public fight

Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent
GOKWE-Kana Member of Parliament, Cde Owen Ncube was allegedly involved in a public fight on Sunday with his Kwekwe Central counterpart, Cde Masango Matambanadzo.The two Zanu-PF legislators allegedly engaged in a fistfight at Amaveni Shopping Centre after Cde Ncube allegedly sent a group of youths to burn Cde Matambanadzo’s car. According to witnesses, the two legislators had a misunderstanding after Cde Ncube, who is commonly known as Mudha, convened a meeting at Amaveni Shopping Centre – about 100m from Cde Matambanadzo’s shop.

Cde Matambanadzo is largely known by his pseudonym “Blackman” in Kwekwe.

The witnesses said Cde Ncube hurled insults at Cde Matambanadzo, denouncing him as an MP.

It is alleged that Cde Ncube organised a small group of Zanu-PF youths to set Cde Matambanadzo’s vehicle on fire as punishment for not being “loyal to the party and its leadership”.

A witness said one of the youths who attended the meeting went and informed Cde Matambanadzo about Cde Ncube’s intentions. Cde Matambanadzo then confronted Cde Ncube.

“When Cde Matambanadzo approached Cde Ncube, he then got into his car and drove off. Cde Matambanadzo got into his car and chased after him before the two stopped about 200m from the shopping centre where Cde Matambanadzo walked towards Cde Ncube’s vehicle and confronted him. A heated argument ensued which later degenerated into a fight,” said the witness.

Cde Matambanadzo confirmed the incident saying Cde Ncube had insulted him in public and incited a group of youths to burn down his shop and car.

“Cde Ncube has been convening meetings in my constituency behind my back. This was a long standing dispute between me and Cde Ncube. It appeared as if Cde Ncube had a personal vendetta against me because he once told people in my constituency that I was not a legitimate MP while introducing Cde Cornelius Mpereri as the party’s preferred candidate for the next elections. On Sunday Cde Ncube came to Amaveni Shopping Centre fully aware that I was at my shop at the same shopping centre.

He then addressed people telling them that I was not a member of parliament. He instructed some youths to destroy my car and shop to which they declined. Some of the youths informed me and I approached him to inquire. As I was walking towards him he drove off but I chased after him. When I caught up with him, I confronted him. He then insulted me before assaulting me with his hand. I hit him back and he went and reported the matter to Mbizo police station. I also reported the assault at Amaveni Police Station,” he said.

Cde Matambanadzo said the dispute emanated from the party’s Friday meeting which he attended at the invitation of people from his constituency. He said he had been shunned by Cde Ncube and other party members.

Cde Ncube, however, professed ignorance over the matter. “We did not fight with Cde Matambanadzo. I never had an altercation with him,” he said.

Acting Police Officer Commanding Midlands, Assistant Commissioner Musarashana Mabunda could neither deny nor confirm the incident.

“We are yet to get the finer details of the matter. When we have full details, we will hand them over to the Police national spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba. I am not allowed to disclose any details regarding such matters,” he said.