Zanu PF’s internal pushing and shoving has resulted in bloody fights in Marondera West constituency, where Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs minister Ambrose Mutinhiri is the current sitting MP.
BY RICHARD CHIDZA
Mutinhiri, according to sources, is planning an audacious bid to hand -over the constituency to a yet to be identified benefactor before contesting the Marondera senatorial seat currently being held by Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi.
Gift Chiriseri was on Sunday night allegedly attacked by a gang moving around with Mutinhiri’s son, Tafara.
“Chiriseri was viciously attacked after they ambushed him as Landas business centre. He is accused of being part of a team that is supporting party provincial secretary for security, Forster Gwanzura, who is likely to pose a threat to Mutinhiri’s plan to install his ‘successor’ before he wrests the senatorial seat from Sekeramayi,” NewsDay heard.
Zanu PF acting provincial chairman, Bernard Makokove, confirmed the incident.
“I have received the report, but do not have finer details,” he said.
Chiriseri also confirmed he had been attacked by Mutinhiri’s son.
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“It’s true, they attacked me on Sunday. They accused me of being part of a group that is seeking to get the minister (Mutinhiri) out of power. The group of about five was led by Tafara,” Chiriseri said.
Contacted for comment, Gwanzura seemed uncomfortable.
“President Robert Mugabe has been very clear about members washing dirty linen in public. My job is to campaign for the President and the party. I have no mandate to comment on issues related to internal activities of the party,” he said.
The attack was reported at Mahusekwa Police Station under RRB3038683 and Chiriseri was hospitalised and treated at a local clinic. Mashonaland East police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Tendai Mwanza, could neither confirm nor deny the incident.
“I have tried to get in touch with Mahusekwa Police Station, but failed. However, as things stand, we do not have any report of political violence,” he said.
Mutinhiri seemed to dismiss the report, saying: “Lies, it is lies.”
But when asked about his bid to take Sekeramayi “head-on”, the career soldier tersely said he respects his seniors. “I am a very disciplined cadre of the party and respect my seniors,” he said.
NewsDay also received pictures of what appeared to be Chiriseri’s bloodied and torn clothes in the aftermath of the attack.
Zanu PF’s provincial leadership is reportedly now seized with the issue after Makokove reportedly demanded a report.
“Makokove was briefed and has demanded a report on the issue so it is investigated. Gwanzura has helped the party a lot and would be a popular candidate if he were to throw his hat into the ring. However, he has not made any indication, but, obviously, people are talking and Mutinhiri might have heard this,” another source said.
