Paul Nyathi

Zanu-PF members who caused mayhem at the party primary elections in Kwekwe on Sunday appeared in court on Tuesday and were remanded in custody for bail hearing on Wednesday.

The activists turned violent and assaulted police officers and other party members destroying some property including vehicles along the way.

The arrested members are Zvidzai Maisva (34) Burden Mawire (35), Amon Mutondorwa (34), Elliot Gideon (38), Itai Mutandwa (36) and Tafadzwa Mutema.

The activists are part of a bigger group that allegedly caused the mayhem which led to the abandonment of the elections.

Kwekwe Magistrate Florence Nago Tuesday heard that the arrested six and others who are still at large, assaulted police officers and destroyed property within the Zanu PF offices.

Heavy political rivals Kandross Mugabe and Energy Ncube, nephew to State Security Minister Owen Ncube were battling to earn the sole ticket to represent the party in an upcoming by-election.

Mugabe represented Zanu PF in the 2018 and lost to the late Masango Matambanadzo whose death necessitated the by election.

“The accused persons attacked police officers and manhandled Sergeant Mubika who was armed with a service pistol intending to disarm him. During the course, Sergeant Mubika’s grey uniform shirt got torn and buttons ripped off,” State papers read.

“Police had to use tear gas and fire warning shots to manage the scene and arrested the accused persons.”

“They teamed up and went to Zanu PF District Headquarters, Kwekwe where they engaged in public violence by assaulting people with stones, open hands and fists,” court further heard.

“The State further said the five went on to damage a “windscreen of a Toyota Landcruiser Reg No AFG 5827 and deflating all the four wheels of the vehicles by removing sticker valves.

“They further deflated all 4 wheels of a Toyota Hilux Reg No ACX 0369 by severing them with sharp instruments.

“The group went on to damage the front windscreen and fender of a Mazda Excella Reg Number ADY 3345 using stones. They stole people’s various property.”