KWEKWE deputy mayor, Aaron Sithole and councillor, Weston Masiya were arrested and detained in police cells on violence charges after suspected Zanu PF supporters disrupted an MDC-T demonstration, culminating in violent clashes on Saturday.
BY BLESSED MHLANGA
MDC-T Midlands provincial member, Willard Somerai confirmed that the two councillors were in police custody and were expected to appear in court today facing public violence charges.
“Yes, the two were arrested following a successful demonstration, which was held against (President Robert) Mugabe’s misrule, corruption and poverty. They are accused of inciting violence after the protests were disrupted by Zanu PF youths, who started throwing stones at our supporters,” he said.
Councillor, Morris Chinwada, who was part of the demonstrations, said the MDC-T officials were unmoved by their detention.
“They have not yet spoken to a lawyer and besides the bad weather, the two are in high spirits. They are committed to the emancipation of Zimbabweans and paying with a few nights in cells is not a big task for them,” he said.
Chinwada was, however, worried over Masiya, who has been battling ill health in the past month and was still on the road to recovery.
Police had to use tear smoke to disperse protestors after rowdy youths started hurling missiles to police officers, damaging cars and buildings.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Chinwada insisted Zanu PF youths started the violence.
But, Zanu PF Midlands spokesperson, Cornelius Mupereri denied reports that his party triggered the violent clashes, saying, on the day in question, his party youths were attending an inter-district meeting at Zanu PF offices.
“They should not seek to drag us into their violent protests. We were holding our meeting at the party office at the time of the protests and our youths were nowhere near them,” he said.
