The MDC Alliance Bulawayo Province has suspended Tendai Masotsha who is the provincial women’s assembly chairperson for her alleged involvement in the abduction of ZimLive editor Mduduzi Mathuthu’s nephew Tawanda Muchehiwa, CITE.org reports.

The suspension which came after Muchehiwa narrated his abduction and how Masotsha might have helped the abductors, was confirmed by MDC Alliance Bulawayo Spokesperson Swithern Chirowodza who said:

After taking note of journalism student, Tawanda Muchehiwa’s statement published by Zimlive, the alleged participation of Tendai Masotsha in Tawanda’s abduction and also the abduction and torture of our Party members in Bulawayo by suspected state security agents, the MDC Alliance Bulawayo Province has suspended and opened investigations into her involvement  in the matter. A concise statement would be issued in the next 48 hours.

When contacted for comment, Masotsha said she was surprised by the allegations levelled against her and said:

Yimihlolo leyi (I am actually surprised by all this). I am also a victim in this. I haven’t been told about the suspension officially but had seen news on the suspension on twitter. There is nothing I can do but my heart is free, I am clean and not involved in any of this. Masotsha said the investigations would clear her name. If the investigations are not polluted and are proper, they will show I am also a victim

Sources that spoke to the publication on condition of anonymity said party members want Masotsha fired from the party:

Party members want her to be removed as the party’s integrity is under stake. We have written to the National Council asking them to expel her immediately from the party. We cannot continue working with someone who was alleged to have involved in abduction and torture

MDC Alliance released a statement that said they are investigating the matter.-CITE