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Violence rocks Machipisa
Community Radio Harare (CORAH)
September 08, 2011

Political violence erupted Wednesday at Machipisa Shopping Centre in Highfield when suspected ZANU (PF) youth invaded Mukambo flea market stalls at the popular shops and beat up vendors and residents. The rowdy youths arrived in the morning and ordered everyone to vacate the market before unleashing violence on those who tried to resist.

Police officers stood by as the rampaging youths indiscriminately beat up people resulting in several people being seriously injured. According to eye witnesses, the youths were in a no-nonsense mood as they went on rampage and damaging property in the process.

In a move that showed the incident was pre-planned, the youths were supplied lunch by some unidentified people and they later left after the area had been brought to a standstill. Police reacted slowly and fired teargas to disperse people and this was only after the youths had left.

Wednesday's move came a day after violence also rocked the official opening of the 4th session of the 7th Parliament of Zimbabwe at Africa Unity Square in Harare where suspected ZANU (PF) supporters beat up people who had come to witness the event. The attacks came as President Robert Mugabe was denouncing violence in Parliament saying political leaders should help stem violence which has become a common characteristic of the country's politics.

The escalation in violence appear to have ridiculed the message by President Mugabe that people should desist from violence and find peace amongst each other.

About 8 people believed to be MDC supporters, a police officer and a journalist were assaulted in the incident. Glen View councilor for MDC, Victor Chifodya suffered head injuries after he was hit by a missile that was thrown in the process.

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