The MDC Today

Tuesday 19 February 2013

Gutu-Albert Musvosvo an MDC branch chairman in ward 17, Gutu Central Constituency, was severely assaulted by a mob of Zanu PF supporters at the weekend and sustained deep facial injuries.

According to Gutu Central legislator Honourable Oliver Chirume, the incident happened at Rasa Business Centre around 5 pm on Sunday when Musvosvo and fellow party members were coming from a party meeting .When they arrived at the business centre, the Zanu PF mob allegedly began to shout abusive words at the MDC supporters.Musvosvo, who is in his late 50s then told the Zanu PF mob to behave in a dignified manner.

The mob reportedly surrounded him and started assaulting him.

'The group was led by Stan Mukotami who is the Zanu PF chairman for ward 17. Musvosvo tried to advise the 20 Zanu PF supporters that they should behave in a more dignified manner .The Zanu PF mob told him they had been looking for him for a long time .They surrounded him and beat him up.Mukotami punched him on the face and he lost two front teeth. He was rescued by fellow party members who then accompanied him to Basera Police camp before going to Gutu Mission Hospital for treatment .We have not received anything regarding police investigations and we understand no one has been arrested so far. This could be an indication Zanu PF is not sincere about ending political violence, 'said Honourable Chirume.

Although no comment could be obtained from Mukotami, Gutu Central Constituency secretary for Information and Publicity Lloyd Mupfudze said the Zanu PF supporters behaved in an overzealous manner.

'The Zanu PF supporters reflected their unwillingness to repent. Our members were coming from a district meeting that was held at Dewure Business Centre and they simply intended to buy some refreshments at the business centre. That is when Zanu PF supporters began to insult them and proceeded to attack a hapless Musvosvo.In actual fact Musvosvo told them that they should show some semblance of discipline and that is why they assaulted him, 'said Mupfudze.

'This incident has once again exposed Zanu PF `s lack of commitment towards ending political violence. It is most disturbing to encounter such an unfortunate incident as the nation gears for the referendum. However we hope the new constitution will effectively address matters of political hooliganism and we are also believe that elections will be held under a conducive environment. We must remain cautious as we go to the referendum, ' Mupfudze added.

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