ZANU PF supporters disrupt MDC rally in Epworth

By Tichaona Sibanda
23 February 2010

There was complete mayhem in Epworth on Sunday during an MDC rally when ZANU PF supporters in a three-vehicle convoy allegedly drove at the crowd forcing them to scatter, resulting in a mass brawl that left many injured.

The provocation has been condemned by the MDC who insisted on Tuesday that the violence was sparked by the ZANU PF supporters who tried to disrupt their rally.

The state controlled Herald reported that six ZANU PF youths were severely injured during the Epworth disturbances, saying the incident ‘dampened the ongoing national healing and reconciliation efforts.’ Three of the ZANU PF supporters injured in the melee have reportedly been admitted to Parirenyatwa hospital.

MDC-T spokesman for Harare province Willas Madzimure told SW Radio Africa that ZANU PF supporters were to blame for the violence, which erupted after they tried to stop a rally that had been authorised by the police.

“If anyone dares to check the facts, they will find out that we (MDC) had permission to hold a rally in Epworth on Sunday from the police. Therefore, we were left baffled when ZANU PF supporters came to our rally in three 4X4 vehicles with the intention of intimidating the crowd. This was gross provocation and their actions sparked all the disturbances. A lot of our supporters were injured when they were attacked during the melee,” Madzimure said.

The MDC-T MP for Kambuzuma said they had information that ZANU PF chairman for Harare province Amos Midzi was behind the attempts to block the MDC rally.

“In this day and age it is very easy to trace the number plates of vehicles used in clandestine operations. We also know that the group that came to disrupt our rally were members of the Mbare based Chipangano group. They were picked up from Mbare to come and cause mayhem in Epworth and we know that Midzi was behind all that,” added Madzimure.