MDC-Alliance supporters allegedly manhandled and temporarily blocked MDC-T leader Dr Thokozani Khupe from attending the burial of Gogo Alice Chamisa, the mother to MDC-Alliance faction leader Mr Nelson Chamisa, who was buried in Gutu on Wednesday.

Dr Thokozani Khupe’s spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni, who accompanied her to the funeral confirmed the incident.

“We went to Chiwara in Gutu to pay our last respects to the late Gogo Chamisa, but some MDC-A hooligans embarrassed us at the funeral, but fortunately Chamisa rescued us.

“We managed to attend the burial proceedings, but the environment was tense, though it was not that serious as compared to what happened during the late MDC-T founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s funeral in Hamanikwa, Buhera.

“Zimbabweans should accept politics of tolerance. With the events which are currently happening, the MDC-A hooligans did take the issue lightly,” said Phugeni.

He added that politicians should accept tolerance despite one’s political affiliation.

“No one was injured during the melee. It’s a regrettable occurrence. Politicians should stop politicking at funerals,” he said.

Dr Khupe and Mr Chamisa are locked in a bitter contest for control of the opposition with the later so far the worse off from the protracted legal and political warfare.