By Lionel Saungweme| Just as members of Parliament who were assaulted by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s violent policemen last week, continued in their agony, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Vice President Elias Mudzuri has stalked the fires after he attended an unsanctioned event at State House hosted by the ZANU PF leader yesterday. The MDC Leader of the House, Hon Thabitha Khumalo, Chief Whip, Hon Prosper Mutsetyami and all other MDC parliamentarians, who are protesting the “stolen 30 July 2018” elections, did not go to the function graced by a swarm of Zanu PF legislators despite being invited.

The incident comes soon after opponents alleged Senator Mudzuri and MDC Secretary General, Senator Douglas Mwonzora approached Chief Justice Luke Malaba in Parliament to proffer an apology after MDC parliamentarians demonstrated against him at the swearing-in ceremony.

“This marks the end of the road for our Vice President. You cant’’t keep defying the Party time and again. By choosing Mnangagwa over the Party, VP Mudzuri has effectively expelled himself from the Party. It was a pleasure working with you Elias. Hamba kahle!!!!,” said MDC Youth Secretary General, Lovemore Chinoputsa in a tweet.

The incident seemingly dovetails former MDC-T Vice President Thokozani Khupe’s call to MDC President Nelson Chamisa to “recognise” Mnangagwa’s disputed presidency.

A fired-up team comprising MDC National Deputy Treasurer General, Hon Chalton Hwende, National Secretary for Elections and Hon Murisi Zwizwai among other MDC legislators approached Mudzuri after the State House function.

“Ikozvino vanhu vakadzingwa nemapurisa muyamuya nenyaya yaMnangagwa ikozvino maenda kuState House … (Police forced our MPs out of Parliament and then you go to State House), said Zwizwai to Mudzuri with a raised voice in an incident captured on video. Zwizwai was referring to a Thursday 22 November incident in which police forcefully removed MDC legislators from the August House for refusing to stand up when Mnangagwa entered Parliament. The video is trending on social media.

“Madii kutarisa kuona kuti hapana kana wangu aripano apa … (Why didn’t you look to see if your other comrades were there?” demanded Zwizwai to a speechless Mudzuri.

The MDC has not endorsed the 30 July 2018 national elections and has called for a demonstration to show its disapproval. It has also demonstrated against Mnangagwa at the opening of Parliament and protested against Chief Justice Malaba.

“Mnangagwa akabira (stole) ma-elections then you go and endorse him,” said Hwende to a speechless Mudzuri.

Mudzuri, who was not available for comment has in the recent past been creating more political opponents than friends. Earlier last week, a social media message from his twitter handle stated that the party’s congress will be held next year in February. This is despite the fact that the National Council seeks to pencil congress at a time not earlier than October next year.