By Terrence Mawawa Masvingo| The faction-ridden ruling party, Zanu PF has suspended eight councillors thought to be sympathetic to former Vice President Joice Mujuru.
The troubled ruling party has been flexing muscles on factional battles ignoring the hunger ravaging the province of Masvingo and the suspension of the eight councillors has further plunged Zanu PF into chaos.
The provincial executive last week suspended the eight councillors from Bikita accusing them of working with Mujuru to destroy the ruling party. Among the affected are Dakarai Chikotomere of ward 6 Nathan Zeya, ward 8, Thomas Mafanise (ward 16) and Pearson Mutume of ward 24.
Councillor Mafanise conceded the ruling party was torn by internal strife adding the suspension was a result of endless factional battles in Zanu PF.
“It is true we were suspended for allegedly working with Mujuru but the fact is there is more to it.The suspension is a result of factional battles in the party. We were given suspension letters by senior provincial officers. The allegations are that we are leaking information to Mujuru .It is stated clearly in the letter that the party has resolved to suspend me because of working with Mujuru -among other accusations.I have also been accused of absconding party meetings, ” said Mafanise.
Zanu PF provincial chairman Ezra Chadzamira confirmed the suspensions while Political Commissar Jeppy Jaboon said the ruling party did not regret the move and the executive would work tirelessly to flush out rogue elements in the party.
Party insiders yesterday said the move to suspend the councillors was a result of the CIO video filming of Mujuru’s secret meeting. It is understood the video clip has been shown to President Robert Mugabe and many heads are expected to roll when Mugabe comes to Masvingo province for his birthday bash later this month.
Councillor Zeya said he would move on with his political career if he is expelled from the ruling party while sources said the eight suspended councillors have already joined Mujuru’s People First.