The Movement for Democratic Change battle for leadership saga took another twist today when deputy treasurer-general Elton Mangoma formally filed an assault complaint with the police. Mangoma is reported to have been assaulted by MDC youths on Saturday after attending an executive meeting with district chairpersons. The 210 district chairpersons endorsed the leadership of party leader Morgan Tsvangirai. Youths who were outside the party headquarters at Harvest House are reported to have accosted Mangoma asking why he was challenging the party leader whose term ends in 2016. Mangoma claims he was assaulted while Tsvangirai watched. He claims Tsvangirai even shouted “catch”. Tsvangirai says he actually saved Mangoma from being assaulted. He says his driver and security staff drove Mangoma to his (Tsvangirai’s) house in Highlands. Mangoma and treasurer –general Roy Bennett have been calling on Tsvangirai to step down to save the party. They even offered him US$3 million to step down but Tsvangirai reportedly turned down offer. It is not clear who the financial heavyweights want to take over, but whispers say secretary-general Tendai Biti is the silent brains behind the whole saga.
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