by Christopher Makaza

The MDC-Alliance once again showed its propensity for violence after 14 rogue and visibly drunk thugs from the opposition outfit led by one Ngwarai, severely attacked Viary Gomba, nephew to Harare MDC-Alliance Mayor, Herbert Gomba at his residence in Glen Norah B.

The crew reportedly stormed Gomba`s place on 12 July around 1900 hours baying for the mayor`s blood, but were met by Viary. It is alleged that Viary failed to give a satisfactory explanation on the mayor`s whereabouts, which prompted Ngwarai to assault him before his crew joined in.

The thugs reportedly manhandled and attacked Viary with open fists and empty beer bottles accusing him of hiding the mayor. The crew went on to break eight window panes at Gomba`s house.

After the attack, the gang reportedly left the scene in a movie style aboard a white twin cab and a blue Nissan Ex-Trail. Viary allegedly lost US$800 during the attack.

The assault and malicious damage to property case was reported to Glen Norah police station.

A contact within the MDC-Alliance revealed to this publication that the attack by the gang who are believed to be former Harare City Council (HCC) employees could be a result of factional fights within the distressed opposition family.

“Those thugs who attacked Viary are former HCC workers who were sacked by Herbert Gomba, allegedly on factional lines. I strongly believe it`s now pay back time, the guys want to retaliate physically,” said the source.

According to the contact, the MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa reportedly wants to fire Gomba as mayor and replace him with MDC-Alliance Secretary for Elections, Ian Makone.

“Who knows, Chamisa might have incited the thugs to attack the mayor,” said the contact.

“It`s double trouble for Mayor Gomba as the MDC-T is planning to recall him from council because they perceive him to be Chamisa`s close ally. On the other hand Chamisa wants to replace him with Makone who is also said to be his favourite,” said the contact.

The contact went on to reveal that Mayor Gomba has become very unpopular with his colleagues in the council due to his corrupt tendencies. Councillors accuse him of engaging in self-enrichment deals at the expense of service delivery.

Gomba is also accused of illegally selling council land and awarding tenders to his cronies to supply goods and services to the HCC.