KWEKWE — A Zanu PF parliamentary aspirant in Kwekwe has been arrested for allegedly shooting at fellow activists who had accused him of being a member of a rival faction of their party.
The incident allegedly happened last week as political temperatures in the country rise ahead of impending elections scheduled for early next year.
Andrew Mvududu (52), who is reportedly eyeing Mbizo constituency, was arrested for improper use of a firearm following a misunderstanding over his allegiance and candidacy.
The factions are allegedly led by Vice-President Joice Mujuru and Defence minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, although the two have denied fanning factionalism in the party or leading the said rival groups.
According to the police, on October 21 at around 8pm, Mvududu, who is believed to be aligned to the Mujuru faction, was at his bar — Mvuda’s Corner Sports Bar — discussing politics with friends Utumbe Phiri, Emmanuel Muguro and Tapiwa Muto, when they had a misunderstanding.
Muto, the police claim, was against Mvududu’s political aspirations and urged him to stop campaigning. Phiri intervened in support of Mvududu, a stance which reportedly angered Muto, who started assaulting him.
Mvududu attempted to stop the scuffle, but was overpowered and attacked by Muto and other patrons resulting in him drawing his P1 pistol — serial number 008585E loaded with seven live rounds — and firing a shot which hit a window seal, before fleeing the scene. The police argue Mvududu had no right to discharge the firearm unless he was protecting cash in transit, the purpose for which he was issued it.
Mvududu is expected to appear in court soon after he was released by the police, who said they would proceed by way of summons.
