MDC-T factions clash in Bulawayo

POLICE in Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo rushed in to stop violence as warring factions in the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) had a go at each other yesterday.

A Thokozani Khupe-led faction was holding a meeting at the party’s offices in the afternoon when a truckload of youths – believed to be aligned to new MDC-T party leader Nelson Chamisa – stormed the venue and attacked those in attendance.

“We were attacked at the Bulawayo MDC-T office‚” Khupe said.

“People were injured and cars have been vandalised.”

Khupe survived an assassination attempt at former MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s burial last month in Hamunikwa village.

Youths allegedly linked to Chamisa had placed Khupe in a hut and attempted to set it ablaze.

In the latest attack‚ Khupe’s aide‚ Witness Dube‚ received a deep cut to his forehead – and a vehicle she was in was vandalised. Others were taken to hospital. Yesterday’s meeting was held after a civil society organised lecture, where Khupe and her allies condemned how Chamisa came to power without following the constitutional process.

Chamisa said last week those against his rise to power would be fired from the party – and MDC-T spokesman Obert Gutu is already on suspension.

When Tsvangirai died, his vicepresidents, Khupe‚ Elias Mudzuri and Nelson Chamisa‚ whom he handpicked‚ were locked in a succession wrangle.

Mudzuri later succumbed to pressure and sided with Chamisa, while Khupe insists she is the rightful leader.