MDC MP elect for Nkulumane battling for life after brutal attack

By Tichaona Sibanda
23 June 2008

The newly elected MDC MP for Nkulumane in Bulawayo, Thamsanqa Mahlangu, is battling for his life in an intensive care unit in Harare after he was severely assaulted by Zanu PF militia on Sunday.

Manhlangu, who is also the national youth chairman, was attacked as he and other MDC members were on their way to the Glamis Arena for a star rally.

A statement from the MDC said Mahlangu was attacked by armed Zanu PF militia who had been dropped at the venue of the rally in army and police trucks. Over a thousand Zanu PF thugs were bused to the venue.

MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai was scheduled to have addressed the rally but it was cancelled when the militia, armed with sticks and stones, took over the venue and blocked people from getting there.

The rowdy Zanu PF supporters attacked MDC supporters in full view of SADC election observers and the police, who took no action.