Zanu PF internal fights turns ugly at Beitbridge

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Zanu PF youth leader’s cars set ablaze
Beitbridge political violence

Staff Reporter

Beitbridge – Two cars belonging to a Zanu PF youth leader were set on fire on Wednesday night in Beitbridge town, in what is suspected to be a case of political violence within the ruling party.

Lawrence Mbanje, the Zanu PF youth political commissar for Beitbridge district, said his two Mercedes Benz vehicles were torched by unknown assailants at his home in Dulibadzimu suburb around 10 pm.

He said he suspected that the attack was linked to his recent criticism of some party members who were allegedly plotting to hold illegal re-runs of primary elections in the district.

“I was sleeping when I heard a loud bang outside. I rushed out and saw my cars on fire. I tried to put out the flames with a hosepipe, but it was too late. The cars were completely burnt,” said Mbanje

He said he had posted videos on social media platforms, exposing and denouncing some party members who were unhappy with the outcome of the primary elections held last month.

“I have been receiving threats from some people who are not happy with the way I exposed their plans to rig the elections. They want to overturn the results and impose their preferred candidates. They are trying to intimidate me and silence me, but I will not back down,” he said.

Mbanje said he had reported the incident to the police, who attended the scene and launched investigations.

He appealed to the party leadership to intervene and restore order and discipline in the district.

“We need unity and peace in our party. We cannot afford to have divisions and violence among ourselves. We need to respect the democratic processes and accept the will of the people,” he said.

Zanu PF provincial spokesperson Ronald Ndava confirmed the incident and condemned it as barbaric and criminal.

He said the party would not tolerate any acts of violence or indiscipline among its members.

“We are aware of the incident and we are waiting for the police to complete their investigations. Whoever is behind this heinous act will face the full wrath of the law. We do not condone violence or sabotage in our party. We urge our members to respect each other and resolve their differences amicably,” Ndava said.

The incident comes at a time when Zimbabwe is facing a severe health crisis, with hospitals across the country struggling to cope with Covid-19 cases and other diseases.

Doctors and nurses have gone on strike over low salaries and poor working conditions, leaving many patients without proper care or treatment.

Hospitals are also facing acute shortages of drugs, equipment, oxygen, beds, and protective gear.

Some hospitals have even stopped offering mortuary services due to power cuts, lack of refrigeration, and staff shortages.

Zimbabwe has recorded more than 17,000 Covid-19 cases and over 400 deaths since March 2020, but health experts say the actual figures could be much higher due to limited testing and reporting.