by Christopher Makaza

Following pressure from MDC-Alliance members that the Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House (MRTH) be immediately repossessed from MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe, MDC-Alliance`s leadership has resolved to violently repossess the building to pacify its restive members.

MDC-A has since embarked on a sensitisation programme in all its District Assemblies in Harare, conscientising its members on the looming development.

The Alliance has reportedly activated a militant group led by Starman Chamisa, younger brother to MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa to spearhead the violent repossession of MRT House. Some of the members who would spearhead the violent operation include Budiriro Legislator Costa Machingauta, Budiriro District Organising Secretary Blessing Tungwarara, Mbare District Assembly Chairperson Munyaradzi Mapukute, Harare Provincial Assembly Deputy Secretary Peter Chikwati and Mbare District Assembly Deputy Chairperson Smart Musimo.

This vigilante group has been used in the past to unleash violence and silence all members suspected to be disloyal to Chamisa.

A contact within the MDC-A revealed that a secret meeting was held recently at Mapukute`s residence in Mbare to strategise on the action plan and way forward. During the meeting, members allegedly raised concern over the increasing number of defections of MDC-A members who are crossing to the MDC-T. The team then resolved to activate their violence machinery with a view to scaring those who want to cross the floor.

According to the contact, the group has already compiled a list of people they want to attack in a bid to send a message to those intending to defect. On top of the list is former MDC-A National Executive Committee member, Masimba Ruzvidzo who is being accused of carrying out a massive recruitment for MDC-T in Mashonaland East Province. Senator Jane Chifamba, Proportional representative member, Brightness Masango and Harare Provincial Organising Secretary, Rino Mashaya are also on the hit list.

Mashaya has already become the first victim after he was allegedly attacked by Chamisa`s group on 20 June at around 0030 hours at his Glenview 8 home. Police are investigating the case with preliminary findings implicating Highfields legislator, Happymore Chidziva.

In an interview with this publication, a senior MDC-T official revealed that they were privy to the MDC-A`s plot to violently take over MRTH and attacking MDC-T members. He said they were taking serious precautionary measures.

“We are very much aware of their plot to violently repossess MRTH in an effort to silence us but they will not succeed. We will soldier on and nothing will stop us from going to the Congress and also from advancing the legacy of our founding father, the late Morgan Tsvangirai,” said the official.

During a press conference last week, MDC-T National Chair Morgan Komichi alleged that MDC-A youths mobilised from Mbare and vendors operating around MRTH, came to the building armed with stones and other unspecified weapons attempting to repossess it. The youths were allegedly sponsored by MDC-A legislators from Harare Province including Chidziva and Machingauta among others.

Whilst speaking at a birthday party recently in Chitungwiza for two year old Chantelle whose father Tinashe Choto died during the violent January 2019 protests against fuel hikes, Chamisa hinted on the violent repossession of MRT House highlighting that nothing would stop them from repossessing it if the time comes.

“It`s just that I don`t want to go to MRT House. If I want to, do you think there is anyone who can stop me from entering the building? I can walk into the building during daylight,” said Chamisa.

Meanwhile, following the takeover of MRT House by MDC-T, MDC-A has since recruited youths who are manning their provincial offices countrywide, waiting to attack MDC-T officials who might want to occupy the offices.

Claims by the MDC-A that the MDC-T had forcefully repossessed MRT House with the assistance of the Army and the Police were all lies as MDC-T Secretary General, Douglas Mwonzora clearly highlighted that there was a smooth handover and takeover of the building by both parties and that MDC-A had already removed their property by the time MDC-T occupied the building.