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Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter —
POLICE have warned MDC-T against violence following a fresh case where a party official was attacked after being accused of being aligned to the group that has been calling for party leader Morgan Tsvangirai to step down. Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the incident yesterday and said Harare North secretary for information Angela Wanyanya was assaulted during a meeting at Harvest House on Monday by a group of youths believed to be Tsvangirai’s supporters.
She said the youths, who included MDC-T Harare North District organising secretary Patson Makore, reportedly accused her of being aligned to deputy treasurer general Elton Mangoma’s faction before assaulting her.
“We are investigating a case of assault which occurred at Harvest House in Harare on Monday at about 7PM. The complainant, Wanyanya was attending an MDC-T provincial meeting,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.
“During the course of the meeting a group of MDC-T youths from Harare North District shouted at her accusing her of being aligned to the Mangoma faction.”
Snr Asst Commissioner Charamba said Makore allegedly charged towards Wanyanya and assaulted her.
“Makore shouted obscene language and charged towards Wanyanya before assaulting her on the face and the forehead resulting in Wanyanya sustaining a swollen eye and forehead.
“She sought refuge in a toilet before she managed to escape and made a report of assault to the police. Makore is yet to be arrested,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.
She warned the party against violence and emphasised that the police would not hesitate to bring culprits to book.
“I want to warn the public against acts of violence. The police will definitely deal with perpetrators of such violence,” she said.
Party spokesperson, Douglas Mwonzora could not be reached for comment yesterday as he was not answering his mobile phone.
Mayhem hit the MDC-T camp following Mangoma’s call for Tsvangirai to relinquish power and create room for leadership renewal.
Mangoma was assaulted by youths that he alleged were sent by Tsvangirai outside MDC-T’s Harvest House in Harare.
Mangoma was recently suspended from the party allegedly for calling for Tsvangirai to resign and tarnishing the party’s name, but he has vowed to ignore the suspension.
Secretary General Tendai Biti, also believed to be in Mangoma’s corner, had his house recently petrol bombed by suspected party members.
Barely an hour after Mwonzora announced Mangoma’s suspension, Biti called a Press conference and declared the suspension null and void.
The party has already elbowed out provincial chairpersons for Matabeleland North and South for allegedly supporting Biti and Mangoma.
Ousted Matabeleland North chairperson Sengezo Tshabangu has, however, defied the party by declaring that he was not going anywhere.
He threatened some party members with disciplinary action, saying the suspension of his executive was null and void.
Online Reporter