Violence erupts outside MDC meeting

By Henry Makiwa
19 November 2007

It has become increasingly difficult to report on the situation on the ground in Zimbabwe because of the deliberate mis-information that is being used at every level.
The reports of violence at the MDC Harvest House headquarters on Sunday show this clearly. It is clear that there was a violent incident but the details differ depending on who you speak to.

There are allegations that at least 20 female MDC supporters were injured as followers of President Morgan Tsvangirai clashed with youths loyal to Lucia Matibenga, the former head of the party’s women’s wing, ousted in a boardroom coup. Other reports can only confirm 3 injuries.
MDC National organiser Elias Mudzuri said the party is yet to establish exactly who caused the violence and just who was attacked. Mudzuri confirmed that a reporter was assaulted outside the party headquarters, but could not give any details.

Mudzuri said: “We are aware that a Studio Seven journalist was assaulted and that there were some other assaults which we cannot confirm until we have a proper report to the party.
“If our youths were responsible then we will deal with them accordingly and if they are just hired thugs then we cannot do much.”

The reports said violent scenes ensued outside the party’s Harvest House headquarters where Tsvangirai was meeting provincial leaders, after a group of about 100 Matibenga supporters converged on the offices. The women chanted slogans and demanded an audience with Tsvangirai whom they challenged to explain why Matibenga was ousted and replaced by one of his alleged loyalists.
Matibenga is challenging the election of Theresa Makone who replaced her in a poll she alleges was out of order, after many of her supporters were barred from participating.

Two journalists, John Nyashanu of the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation and freelancer Frank Chikowore, allege that Tsvangirai’s supporters harassed them and prevented them from interviewing Matibenga.

Chikowore said: “We were accused as the media of fuelling infighting within the MDC with our reports. The youths loyal to Tsvangirai shocked us when they charged menacingly, we only escaped by running away.”
Neither Nelson Chamisa, the MDC’s spokesman, nor Matibenga – who was said to have flown to South Africa – could be reached for comment.

Earlier the Standard newspaper had suggested that Tsvangirai had mellowed over his stance on Matibenga, and was refusing to endorse Makone as the new head of the party’s women’s wing.