By Sports Reporter- Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa has once again found himself at the center of controversy, this time within Zimbabwean rugby.
Mliswa, a former fitness trainer turned politician, has caused the arrest of top Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) executives following his dismissal for allegedly breaching the sport’s constitution.
The outspoken politician argues that the rugby bosses were engaged in corruption and financial mismanagement, leading to a legal battle that has escalated into a criminal investigation.
ZRU Vice President Losson Mtongwiza and CEO Sifiso Made have since been arrested and appeared in court over corruption-related allegations.
In response to the unfolding saga, the ZRU issued a statement outlining the basis of Mliswa’s suspension.
“Specifically, the Union wishes to clarify that Mr. Mliswa’s conduct has been in direct violation of Section 19.1 of the ZRU Constitution. This section explicitly prohibits taking internal disputes to external courts outside of the structures outlined in the ZRU statutes, Rugby Africa, and World Rugby regulations.
“The ZRU’s established disciplinary processes are designed to address such matters fairly and efficiently within the rugby framework. As a result of this constitutional violation, the ZRU Board resolved unanimously, in accordance with due process, to suspend Mr. Mliswa with immediate effect.
“His case has been referred to a disciplinary committee, where he will be given the opportunity to present his case in a fair and transparent manner, adhering to the established rules of the Union. The Zimbabwe Rugby Union remains committed to fostering a thriving rugby ecosystem built on respect, discipline, and unity.”
Mliswa, however, has not taken the suspension lightly.
Using his X (formerly Twitter) account, he has publicly accused the ZRU leadership of corruption.
He claims his only offence was demanding transparency regarding the union’s financial records.
“My only crime has been the continued insistence for bank statements and breakdowns relating to money they used,” Mliswa stated. “However, I don’t tire of such issues; they have only made it worse as they can’t sustain me, and I will reveal more. No amount of name-dropping will work with some of us.”
This latest scandal is not Mliswa’s first brush with controversy. Over the years, he has cultivated a reputation for being a firebrand politician unafraid of confrontation.
Mliswa was once a prominent member of the ruling Zanu PF party before being expelled in 2015 following allegations of factionalism.
His fallout with the party saw him become an independent MP for Norton, where he remained a vocal critic of government corruption and mismanagement.
Mliswa has had public spats with various political figures, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s allies. His combative nature has seen him engage in heated exchanges in Parliament and on social media, often exposing internal party rivalries.
He has also been accused of using his political influence and relationship with the former powerful CIO minister, Didymus Mutasa, to grab land and demand bribes from business figures, allegations he has consistently denied.
His aggressive approach to business and politics has made him a divisive figure.
Before venturing into politics, Mliswa was a fitness trainer, working with high-profile individuals, including former West Indies cricketer Brian Lara.
Bold moves and unfiltered commentary on governance issues marked his transition into politics.
Over the years, he has been arrested multiple times on charges ranging from public disorder to alleged extortion.
Despite this, he has remained a significant force in Zimbabwean politics and activism.