Gun-totting MP charged over riotous behaviour

Gun-totting MP charged over riotous behaviour

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A LAWMAKER for Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF has appeared in court charged with leading supporters in a riotous protest brandishing a gun, a reports said Thursday.

The state-run Herald newspaper said Isaiah Shumba, a former deputy education minister, was released on bail by a magistrate in southeastern Masvingo on Wednesday. Twelve supporters arrested with him were freed.

Shumba was charged with inciting public violence at a rally last week following his defeat by a rival in party primary polls.

"It was further alleged that the former deputy minister was carrying a 303 rifle loaded with five rounds which he waved in the air while his supporters ran around the business centre (where the rally was held)," the paper said.

Shumba was among several ruling party heavyweights defeated in primaries for next month’s parliamentary polls in what analysts have interpreted as a no-confidence vote in veteran leader Robert Mugabe and his lieutenants. - AFP
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