Zimpapers Logo

Herald Reporters—
THREE senior MDC-T officials in Mutare appeared in court yesterday facing charges of unlawful entry for allegedly breaking into the party’s offices and stealing various wares, while four others in Chinhoyi were questioned by police over similar allegations. Infighting in MDC-T provincial structures is escalating following a spate of suspensions and expulsions by party leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai and his secretary-general Mr Tendai Biti, who are at loggerheads over control of the party.

Masvingo executives loyal to Mr Tsvangirai unilaterally dismissed the provincial committee and sealed off the party offices, while threatening violence against those perceived to be aligned to Mr Biti.

In Midlands South, Mr Tsvangirai’s supporters suspended treasurer and former Gweru Urban legislator Mr Rodrick Rutsvara, who attended the Mandel Training Centre meeting that put Mr Tsvangirai’s leadership on ice.

The battle for control of party finances and assets is likely to come to a head when Government releases US$3 million to be shared by political parties with a legally set threshold of Parliamentary representation.

In Mutare, former Mutasa South legislator and Mutare mayor Mr Mischeck Kagurabadza (Manicaland provincial secretary), Mr Knowledge Nyamhoka (provincial secretary for home affairs) and Allen Mukodzani (security officer) appeared before magistrate Mrs Sekai Chiundura.

Also see….

• BITI’S COUP THAT NEVER WAS
  

• Tsvangirai’s address to the media
  

• ‘Madzore’s expulsion null and void’
  

• MDC-T fires Biti allies, senior officials
  

• Harvest of blows at Harvest House
  

• MDC-T supporters demand Biti’s resignation
  

• MDC-T faces imminent collapse: Cross

She granted them US$150 bail each and told them not to interfere with State witnesses.
Kagurabadza belongs to the Tsvangirai camp, which is failing to access the party’s provincial office at Number 26B Carrington Road in Darlington.

He is alleged to have teamed up with his two co-accused to break into the office and stole furniture, computers and party membership cards.

Mrs Tinashe Magwagwa appeared for the State, while Mr Chris Ndlovu represented the three accused.
Allegations are that the trio used Kagurabadza’s blue Mazda twin-cab (ABK 4588) in the crime.

They allegedly used iron hoes to break into the office and stole a heavy duty photocopying machine, a filing cabinet, a Dell computer, an electric fan and party membership cards.

A security guard, Walter Mutyayo, witnessed the alleged break-in and contacted Mr Brian James, the MDC-T Manicaland treasurer, who in turn made a report to the police.

Mrs Magwagwa said the three got information that the police were looking for them and surrendered themselves to Mutare Central Police Station.

They will be back in court on May 14.
Four other officials were questioned by police for allegedly breaking into party offices in Chinhoyi. These are Mashonaland West provincial secretary Japhet Karemba, provincial secretary for parliamentary affairs Stewart Garabhi (58), provincial vice secretary Evelyn Chivimbo Huchu (65), and Chinhoyi district secretary Ishmael Gawa (49).

They allegedly broke into the party offices and stole a motorcycle, four computers and two printers on Sunday.
National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi yesterday said investigations were ongoing.
MDC-T Mashonaland West provincial administrator Brandon Gutu (42) made the police report.

It is alleged that on April 17, the four joined other senior party officials at a provincial meeting in Chinhoyi were Karemba suspended Gutu.

He also suspended provincial secretary Tawanda Bvumo, provincial spokesperson Biggie Haurovi and district secretary Tendai Musonza.
In Masvingo, an MDC-T faction loyal to Mr Tsvangirai sealed the provincial party headquarters, effectively blocking those calling for leadership renewal from accessing it.

A rival faction backing Mr Biti has taken over party vehicles which have been hidden at an unknown location.
Party provincial treasurer Alderman Femius Chakabuda disassociated other provincial executive members from provincial chair Mr Wilstaf Sitemere and provincial secretary Mr Tongai Matutu’s support for Mr Tsvangirai’s suspension.