Shops were closed in Chitungwiza as riot police who raided MDC Zengeza West MP, Job Sikhala’s home clashed with residents.
New Zimbabwe reports that police had to fire tear-smoke to disperse residents, mainly youths, who had gathered at Sikhala’s residence in St Mary’s following threats from a Zanu-PF linked pressure group, Citizens Concerned that they would camp at his house this weekend and demand Sikhala to feed them.
MDC deputy youth spokesperson Womberaiishe Nhende told the publication that a large number of MDC youths, including MDC youth spokesperson Stephen Chuma have been arrested and are currently detained at St Mary’s Police Station.
It is also reported that a ZUPCO bus on its way to Harare from Chitungwiza was stoned and passengers were ordered to disembark.
The development was confirmed by Sikhala who told New Zimbabwe that he was himself summoned by the police at St Mary’s police station saying they wanted to investigate him. He added that he had to dismiss himself after waiting for a senior officer for two hours. He said:
“Everything has been closed down in St Mary’s. The youths are in running battles with the police. They are saying you have tormented this man (Sikhala) for a long time.
There have been reports this week suggesting a plot to raid homes of MDC leadership after the party embarked on unannounced demonstrations.
More: New Zimbabwe