By A Correspondent-Violence has rocked Zanu PF Harare Provincial primary elections preparatory meeting with the Goodwills Masimirembwa, the chairperson being beaten up.

Masimirembwa had a chair thrown at him during preparations for district elections by his deputy, Godwin Gomwe.

This came out Thursday at the Harare magistrates court, where Gomwe appeared on charges of assault.

Gomwe was remanded to October 25 for trial by Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi.

The court heard that Masimirembwa chaired a Zanu PF provincial meeting at the party headquarters in Harare to discuss impending district elections.

Gomwe arrived as the meeting was ending at around 1.15 PM and immediately complained that the meeting was held without him being notified.
Masimirembwa, the court heard, advised Gomwe that notice of the meeting was sent through a Whatsapp message.

Gomwe allegedly accused Masimirembwa of creating fictitious party districts to facilitate the rigging of internal elections in favour of Harare’s minister of state, Oliver Chidau, in forthcoming Zanu PF provincial elections.

Gomwe is alleged to have shouted obscenities at Masimirembwa, saying he would deal with him.

He allegedly proceeded to pick up a chair which he threw onto the legs of the Masimirembwa, who was seated.

The prosecution says the chair, which is held as an exhibit, caused a scratch to Masimirembwa’s right leg.

Zanu PF is still dealing with the fallout from last weekend’s district elections amid widespread allegations of vote manipulation.

Violent scenes were witnessed in the Midlands, Mashonaland Central and Manicaland as officials clashed during the divisive vote.