TellZim Reporter
28 April 2017, MASVINGO – The factionalism syndrome affecting political parties in Zimbabwe violently manifested itself at a Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) Masvingo youth provincial meeting last week, with district chairperson; Peacemaker Mapope assaulting Ward 4 Councillor Godfrey Kurauone for making a contribution during the heated proceedings.
Kurauone was assaulted in front of the provincial youth chairperson, Philip Chingini who is believed to be lobbying the provincial youth structures to support Takanayi Mureyi’s ambitions to stand as Masvingo Urban parliamentary candidate in the coming 2018 elections.
Kurauone is alleged to be supporting a different candidate to contest the same seat.
While at the meeting, Kurauone is said to have spoken against factionalism in the youth structures, something which was allegedly interpreted by Mapope as a dig at Mureyi.
Sources who attended the meeting said Kurauone ran for his life as more members of the alleged faction threatened to beat him up.
When contacted for comment, Kurauone confirmed the assault to TellZim News but refused to divulge more details.
“Yes, I was beaten but I cannot comment any further. I am sure the party will deal with the issue using proper party channels,” said Kurauone.
Masvingo Urban MDC-T is reportedly divided over which candidate to field in 2018 with another group said to be fighting for former legislator Tongai Matutu. There are also reports that another group is gunning for Bornface Mazarire to run for the seat.
Fearing competition, the alleged Mureyi faction is said to be working hard to send the former MP to Mwenezi so he can contest there.
Last month Mapope asked party president Morgan Tsvangirai to field Matutu in Mwenezi but was interjected by another faction which crushed the bid. The incident happened during a meeting Tsvangirai was having with structures at the party’s provincial offices in Rhodene
When contacted for comment, Chingini first professed ignorance over the matter and said he does speak to TellZim News but after being quizzed further, he said he did not want to blow the case into the public domain.
“It was not a fight as such but there was a little misunderstanding, nothing the party cannot deal with,” Chingini said.politics
