Owen Ncube, MP for Gokwe-Kana and his Kwekwe Central counterpart, Masango Matambanadzo, stunned the public last week when they chased each other, movie-style, using their vehicles in the densely populated suburb of Amaveni before disembarking and exchanging blows.
It is reported that Ncube who is a former aid of Justice Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, was infuriated when Matambanadzo arrived at the venue being lifted high by youths who were chanting praises for him. The youths and the women were reportedly singing praise songs for Matambanadzo that are usually sung when Mnangagwa arrives at such meetings. Two days later Ncube is reported to have visited Matambanadzo in Amaveni where the brawl started after he had instructed youths to burn Matambanadzo’s shop and vehicle. Rugare Gumbo, the Zanu (PF) spokesperson, said provincial party chairman and state minister Jason Machaya had been tasked with putting together a report to be used as a basis for the disciplinary hearing.
“We do not condone violence in Zanu (PF). If one or both of the MPs are found on the wrong side, they face deterrent measures like expulsion from the party or a lengthy suspension,” he said, but would not reveal would constitute the disciplinary committee. Sources said the brawl was rooted in party factionalism. “Ncube is a blue-eyed boy of Mnangagwa and belongs to the justice minister’s camp. Matambanadzo supports the faction led by VP Joice Mujuru after falling out with Mnangagwa over gold claims,” said the source. “Machaya is understood to be on the side of Mujuru, so he is likely to produce a report that nails Ncube.
“Ncube is MP for Gokwe-Kana though he resides in Kwekwe. So technically he was not supposed to have visited Matambanadzo in his constituency to cause a brawl. That is a factor that can militate against him,” added the source.
Post published in: News