Chamisa ‘assailant’ in race for top Zanu PF post

A ZANU PF youth member reportedly linked to an assassination attempt on Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa last year is eyeing a ruling party national deputy secretary for youth affairs position.

Chamisa survived an assassination attempt after his convoy was intercepted on the outskirts of Mutare by heavily armed Zanu PF youths who fired gunshots, hitting the rear window of the opposition leader’s vehicle.

Chamisa was on a tour of Manicaland province drumming up support for his party.

He was coming from Birchenough Bridge and Chipinge headed for Mutare when he was intercepted by Zanu PF youths, who were travelling in over a dozen unmarked double-cab vehicles.

CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere claimed that Chamisa’s convoy was intercepted by Zanu PF activists led by Manicaland youth leader Danmore Mambondiyani.

Sources in the ruling party yesterday told NewsDay that the ambitious Mambondiyani is eyeing a top youth post when the party holds its national youth conference next week in the capital.

“Mambondiyani is set to contest for the deputy secretary for youth affairs position and is already canvassing for support, remember he is the one who was accused of trying to attack Nelson Chamisa in Mutare,” he said

“Mambondiyani is ambitious, but will face favourite John Paradza who is a Zanu PF Gutu West MP.”

Mambondiyani did not answer his mobile phone when contacted for comment.

Each province elected four candidates last Sunday at provincial youth conferences. Mambondiyani came third in Manicaland while Paradza came first in Masvingo province.

Zanu PF deputy secretary for youth affairs Tendai Chirau yesterday addressed a Press conference in the capital where he announced that all is set for the conference.

In an interview with NewsDay, Chirau said he was not aware of the candidates who had started campaigning.

“Vote-buying is outlawed, if there is evidence then we are going to take action,” he said.

“At the moment we don’t know who is aiming at what until we have the curriculum vitae, but we are behind our President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2023 elections.”