ZANU PF Councillor Attacks CCC Activist With A Machete
A CCC activist in Mashonaland West Province was on Friday attacked with a machete and seriously injured by a ZANU PF ward councillor for demanding free Presidential farming inputs.
The victim, Wonder Matashu (35) of Kapfunde, Magunje constituency, was injured on his head and left palm following an attack by Ward 12 Councillor Chris Mudengezerwa.
Matashu told NewZimbabwe.com that he was attacked by Mudengezerwa after he asked why his name was deleted from the list of people who should receive seed and fertilizer set for distribution in the area.
He alleged that his name was deleted from a list of beneficiaries on grounds that he was an opposition CCC member at Mudengezerwa’s behest. Said Matashu:
This is the height of political intolerance. I have been a marked man for victimisation in my role as CCC Magunje constituency coordinator.
On the fateful day, Friday, November 4, at Kapfunde growth point, l approached the councillor over the removal of my name on the list of Pfumvudza farming inputs beneficiaries.
I found him sitting in his car and asked reasons why my name had been struck off the list.
The councillor told me l would not get the inputs because l was a CCC activist who couldn’t benefit from President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s generosity.
Mudengezerwa is alleged to have also threatened to block Matashu from getting employment at the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO), where he is regularly engaged as a seasonal contractor.
The verbal exchange between the two men degenerated into a war of words, and Mudengezerwa jumped out of his car and started manhandling Matashu. Added Matashu:
Mudengezerwa started pushing and shoving me before slapping me in the face. In self-defence, l fought back and as it seemed obvious l was overpowering the councillor, his brother intervened and tightly grabbed me, but some sympathisers came to my rescue and l was freed.
I walked away from the scene, but as l did that, the councillor went to his vehicle and took a machete and charged towards me. Onlookers shouted to alert me of the imminent danger.
I tried to flee but it was already too late as Mudengezerwa closed in and took aim at my neck in order to kill me.
I blocked the machete which ripped open my palm as well as gashed my forehead. It was blood all over.
Matashu was rushed to Kapfunde Clinic, where he was treated for wounds, before making a report at the local police station.
Mudengezerwa was yet to be arrested but is likely to face attempted murder charges.
