Zimpapers Logo

Mr Gift Mabhena

Victoria Falls Reporter
MEMBER of Parliament for Hwange West Mr Gift Mabhena (MDC-T) and his rival in the party’s primary elections, Mr Thembinkosi Sibindi, were briefly detained by police for allegedly fuelling intra–party violence during primaries in Jambezi at the weekend.Mr Mabhena and Mr Sibindi, who is also the former legislator for the constituency, are battling it out to represent the party in the forthcoming harmonised elections in Hwange West.

The primaries have not been concluded because of violence.
The officer commanding police in Victoria Falls District, Chief Superintendent Jairos Chiona, confirmed the intra-party violence which he said took place on Sunday in Jambezi.

He said supporters of the two argued on who should constitute the electoral college for the primaries leading to scuffles.
“Yes there was intra-party violence. There were scuffles and jostling as the two groups argued over who should constitute the electoral college for the MDC (T) primary election for Hwange West constituency.

The process was resultantly rendered inconclusive,” said Chief Sup Chiona.
“It is confirmed that both Gift Mabhena and Thembinkosi Sibindi were called into the police station on Monday for questioning regarding their conduct and that of their supporters. They both admitted culpability and were warned and released.”

Sources said the elections were held in some parts of the constituency, which also encompasses Victoria Falls town.
“In Victoria Falls, the elections were held at Chinotimba Community Hall where Mabhena polled 90 votes against  Sibindi’s 80,” said the source.

He said voting continued in Jambezi where Mr Mabhena after learning that he was losing accused Mr Sibindi of rigging.
“Sibindi and Mabhena also had different versions on who should vote and at the end of the voting process Mabhena lost and disputed the whole process.

He even kicked the ballot boxes. A scuffle followed and the election was not concluded.”
“We are therefore waiting for a decision from the provincial leadership on the way forward.”
Efforts to get a comment from Mr Sibindi and Mr Mabhena were fruitless.