Minister Mumbengegwi in hospital after assault at ZPF primaries

By Tererai Karimakwenda
31 January, 2008

We have received reports that violence broke out in the Chivi district of Masvingo during ZANU-PF primaries on Saturday, leaving Finance Minister Samuel Mumbengegwi injured and in hospital. This was the most serious incident in a weekend that saw several incumbent ZANU-PF officials lose at the primaries to newcomers. Mumbengegwi is said to be recovering at a hospital in Harare.

Our correspondent Simon Muchemwa spoke to sources who were in the area at the time. They said Mumbengegwi had come to Chivi to contest a parliamentary seat in the ruling party primaries. He is currently a non-constituency MP appointed by Mugabe. As he approached the venue he was met by angry villagers who complained that ministers only come around just before elections.

Muchemwa said the villagers formed a human blockade to prevent Mumbengegwi’s motorcade from reaching the location of the primaries. The minister and his staff tried to force their way through and violence broke out. Mumbengegwi was beaten and taken to Masvingo General Hospital. He was later moved to a hospital in Harare where he is said to be recovering.

Muchemwa said there were many so-called “shockers” at ZANU-PF primaries in Masvingo province, where newcomers won over the old chefs. The state controlled media covered these primaries extensively and confirmed that many new candidates had won. Observers believe there is a shift within the ruling party and final results from all the ZANU-PF primaries were expected to be announced by Tuesday evening.