Drama in Zimbabwe Parliament as female MP’s pants are torn, women police officers’ breasts are fondled and opposition walks out- Full report

There was drama in Zimbabwe’s Parliament yesterday after police were called in to remove an opposition legislator who had refused to leave the House after being ordered to do so because he was dressed inappropriately.

Movement for Democratic Change legislator Costa Machingauta was asked to leave the House by Deputy Speaker Mabel Chinomona because he was putting on a jacket with national flag colours.

When Machingauta refused to leave, Chinomona asked the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove him, but Machingauta refused to leave the Chamber forcing the Sergeant-at-Arms to seek assistance from the police. MDC-T legislators, however, barricaded the police leading to a scuffle before police bundled out Machingauta.

MDC-T legislator Susan Matsunga said that a police officer had fondled her breasts during the scuffle and had also torn her pants.

Sarah Mahoka of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front claimed some legislators had fondled breasts of female police officers and she had recorded that on her camera.

Full debate

2016 PRE-BUDGET SEMINAR

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that the annual pre-budget seminar will be held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Grounds from 2nd -6th November 2016. Departure from Harare will be on 2nd November, returning on 6th November 2016. The flight from Harare on 2nd November, 2016 will depart at 1830 hours arriving in Bulawayo at 1915 hours. On 6th November, 2016, the flight will leave Bulawayo at 0815 hours arriving in Harare at 0900 hours.

Hon. Members are reminded that only members from the following provinces will travel by air; Harare, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central and Manicaland.

HON. HOLDER: On a point of order Madam Speaker. My point of order is on Standing Rules and Orders Section 76 which says that “every member must appear in attire befitting the dignity of the House”. May you please examine how one of the Hon. Members is dressed in this House.

THE HON DEPUTY SPEAKER: Which Hon. Member are you referring to?

HON. HOLDER: Hon. Machingauta.

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