60 MDC-T members arrested

By Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge

Nearly 60 MDC-T members were arrested on Saturday after a district meeting degenerated into fistfights as internecine strife continues to dog the party.

Riot police were called in when delegates to the meeting at Caravan Park started exchanging blows after what is believed to be a tribal-based dispute erupted.

Several people were seriously injured and 58 people were arrested.

Police recovered bricks and logs from the scene.

The suspects are set to appear in court today facing public violence charges.

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena yesterday said they were keen to interview the person who arranged the meeting.

A long-standing tribal feud within the district, pitting a faction led by Enos Chili and incumbent Beitbridge Town Council chairman Fanuel Mandebvu, is said to have sparked the violence.

Sources said Chili’s faction was advocating equal sharing of executive posts between Venda and Shona members.

MDC-T national chairman Mr Lovemore Moyo was scheduled to address the meeting.

He kept away when he received reports of the violence.

Among those arrested was Councillor Mandebvu, provincial member Chili, Ward 1 Clr Danmore Dzokurasa, the district executive chairman identified as Mr Dube.

Prominent Beitbridge businessman Moffat Ndou was also arrested.