Jane Mlambo| Some senior officials from Harare accused MDC President Nelson Chamisa’s backers for causing the skirmishes witnessed at the Mutare Thank you rally in which Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora was booed off the stage.

In an interview with the Newsday, MDC Manicaland Provincial chairperson, David Chimhini accused Zengeza East legislator, Goodrich Chimbaira for bussing the hecklers from Chitungwiza.

“The reason why Mwonzora and Chimhini remained defiant when heckled is that they knew the crowd was bussed. They even had placards, but they failed to lift them.

“Before the rally, there was a provincial assembly meeting at Beit Hall, which was graced by standing committee members and it went on well without incidences.

“When standing committee members, including Mwonzora, were introduced, there was no booing.

“When Mwonzora was about to speak, the trigger was then pulled and people started booing. This was to give a false narrative that Chamisa rescued Mwonzora.
“This must be investigated and anyone found guilty must be disciplined,” a senior official in Harare said.

However, Chimbaira distanced himself from the issue, saying he was not at the rally.

“It’s all lies,” he said while dismissing rumours that he was campaigning for the Harare chairmanship post.

“I don’t have a position that I am earmarking (at congress), but if I am nominated I will consider it.”