MDC probes Harvest House violence

The violence broke out after some members of the MDC Youth Assembly allegedly attempted to force the way into the building but were blocked by security staff leading to the clashes. MDC chief executive Toendepi Shonhe escaped unhurt after he was harassed by the MDC youths during the clashes that reportedly took place while Tsvangirai was in the building holding meetings.

The youths are reportedly unhappy that party leaders are overlooking them when they hire people for internal jobs. Party leaders have allegedly favoured young university graduates and other skilled people for jobs ahead of the Youth Assembly members, many of who are school dropouts.

The standoff bubbled over after the opening of a party regalia shop at Harvest House. Assembly members hoped to be hired to work in the shop and were angry when it appeared they were being sidelined even for basic jobs.

However, MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa spoke strongly against violence that he said represented a gross violation of the founding principles of the party and its dedication to non-violent, democratic struggle.

“Irrespective of the claim by the youth that their actions were prompted by genuine grievances, the fact that they acted unilaterally, by-passing the party’s internal procedures and undertaking acts that violate the spirit of the MDC has resulted in unreserved condemnation and definitive action by the leadership,” Chamisa said.

The Zimbabwean on Sunday heard that following an emergency MDC Standing Committee meeting last Monday, it was resolved that those alleged to have participated in violence be immediately suspended from the party and barred from entering Harvest House pending the outcome of an investigation by an independent committee appointed by the leadership.

Said Chamisa: “This committee has already begun its work to establish the full details of what occurred and will present its report to the Standing Committee for final action as soon as it is completed.