Paul Nyathi

The MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe has recalled from council the Mayor of Gwanda Councillor Jastone Mazhale.

Party spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni confirmed to ZimEye.com that Mazhale was recalled on Monday after he recorded statements last week indicating that his allegiance is with Nelson Chamisa of the MDC Alliance.

Mazhale was a fortnight ago paraded with five other councillors as having defected from the MDC Alliance to join Khupe in the MDC-T. Two days later he appeared on media disclaiming the information that he had dumped Chamisa for Khupe.

According to Phugeni the rest of the councillors have not been recalled because they officially communicated to the party that they are still loyal to Khupe despite statements by the MDC Alliance that they were loyal to Chamisa.

“We have officially recalled the Mayor of Gwanda because he has openly declared his allegiance to another political party,” said Phugeni.

Speaking in the same interview, Phugeni dismissed media claims that his party leader Dr Thokozani Khupe is set to be sworn in as official leader of the opposition by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“There is absolutely nothing like that,” Phugeni said.

On the mass recall of the councillors in Harare which has left the City at a risk of being taken over by a goverment appointed commission, Phugeni said the MDC-T was conscience of the developments in the capital and will guard against the appointment of the commission.

Phugeni also dismissed information that the MDC-T which now enjoys a majority in the capital city chambers will pass a vote of no confidence on newly elected MDC Alliance Mayor Jacob Mafume.

“We really wish His Worship, Mayor Jacob Mafume success and will give him all the support he needs,” said Phugeni.