Police attempts to foil an MDC-T rally flopped

Earlier, Zanu PF youths at Machipisa shopping center had clashed with MDC-T youths resulting in the injury of at least six. The matter was reported to Machipisa police station, but no arrests were made. The MDC claimed the agent provacateurs had police protection because their base was stationed just opposite the police station.
At least 2,000 singing MDC supporters pitched up for the rally which was under check from water canons and armoured trucks stationed nearby. Police say it was a security precaution. The intimidating trucks did not however dampen the mood at the rally. Supporters were devastated when it was announced that MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai was no longer coming.
MDC National Organising Secretary Nelson Chamisa briefed the rally about the party position ahead of the forthcoming SADC summit on Zimbabwe. He said the party wanted the adoption of the resolutions of the SADC Troika that were prepared in Livingstone, Zambia in March.
Our position as the MDC is that the resolutions that were prepared in Zambia in March should be adopted at the SADC summit to be held next week, Chamisa told the supporters.. If these resolutions are adopted, then no elections will take place this year and there will be no elections in Zimbabwe without the MDC.
The MDC-T unveiled its new provincial and national leadership that was elected at the party’s 3rd congress held in Bulawayo in April. The new leadership has a mandate to deliver real change to the people of Zimbabwe, Chamisa said.
All the 12 MDC provincial chairpersons attended the rally together with the new deputy Organising Secretary, Abednico Bhebhe, the national spokesperson, Douglas Mwonzora, new Youth Assembly chairperson, Solomon Madzore, national executive member, Jameson Timba, Harare provincial spokesperson Obert Gutu, Eddie Cross, Sesel Zvidzai and Murisi Zwizwai.
Chamisa thanked the MDC supporters for the continued support they proffer to the MDC despite challenges that include the arrest and intimidation of MDC members. “Makata anoshura materu (An uphill climb is precursor to an easy slope),” he said in a speech laden with metaphor.