On Saturday, March 30, 2019, MDC supporters convened at councillor Magadzire’s homestead in ward 16, Unit J Chitungwiza, for a district election process to nominate candidates who would contest at the elective congress.
MDC Chitungwiza provincial youth chairperson Jabulani Mthunzi, who is also a councillor for Zengeza East ward 15, clashed with Zengeza East legislator Goodrich Chimbaira on the procedure to be followed, resulting in violent skirmishes in which Mthunzi was assaulted by party youths affiliated to Chimbaira, including being hit by Chimbaira’s vehicle.
Similar clashes were also reported at MDC district meetings in Highfields, Dzivarasekwa and Warren Park. In early March, ZPP recorded violent clashes between youths affiliated to the MDC secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora and those affiliated to party leader Nelson Chamisa during ward elections in Chitungwiza.
As a result of these clashes, some ward and district elections were postponed. This violent behaviour is not new, as the party had also experienced episodes of violence during its primary elections in the run-up to the 2018 harmonised elections.
ZPP is concerned by the continued violent trajectory by the MDC. The organisation condemns all forms of political violence and political intolerance which compromise sustainable peace in Zimbabwe.
FULL TEXT: Zimbabwe Peace Project Condemns MDC Intra-party Violence
