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Tempers flare in Parly over Bill

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CHAOS rocked Parliament yesterday as Kuwadzana East MP Nelson Chamisa (MDC-T) and Zvishavane-Ngezi MP John Holder (Zanu PF) nearly exchanged blows during a heated debate over the fast-tracked Local Government Bill.

CHAOS rocked Parliament yesterday as Kuwadzana East MP Nelson Chamisa (MDC-T) and Zvishavane-Ngezi MP John Holder (Zanu PF) nearly exchanged blows during a heated debate over the fast-tracked Local Government Bill.

BY XOLISANI NCUBE

Sarah Mahoka Hurungwe East MP

Tempers flared as MDC-T legislators demanded they be given time to study the Bill before approving it, and in the ensuing melee Chamisa riled Zanu PF MPs, when he insinuated that they had little knowledge of Parliament’s Rules and Standing Orders.

Chamisa had stood to object to a move by Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere to suspend all parliamentary business and rules to pass the Bill, which opposition MPs allege was targeting MDC-T mayors.

This did not go down well with most Zanu PF MPs, as they felt insulted by Chamisa’s comments, forcing Holder to confront him menacingly, but he was restrained by fellow lawmakers, causing commotion in the House, which lasted for an hour.

Chamisa refused to withdraw his remarks, instead demanding that Parliament charges Holder for violent conduct.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mabel Chinomona said she would have to study the incidents before making a ruling today.

During the commotion, Hurungwe East MP, Sarah Mahoka (Zanu PF) also labelled MDC-T MPs prostitutes, igniting another storm.

The chaos continued until late into the night, as MPs heckled each other— to a point where debate on the proposal by the minister to suspend parliamentary rules was abandoned.