The chairman of the Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association has fallen victim to the ongoing battle for control of the town between rival MDC groupings.

Long serving chairman Morgan “Gazza” Dube was this week forced to resign from his position after he openly supported the reinstatement of mayor Somvelo Dlamini by the Thokozani Khupe MDC-T Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora.

Dube, a sports administrator and coach as well as benefactor for local football, had been at the helm of the association for about 10 years.

Dube had contested for Member of Parliament for Hwange West under MDC-T in 2018.

He came third after incumbent Godfrey Dube of MDC Alliance and Nkosilathi Jiyane of Zanu PF who was second.

Ironically, Dube was instrumental through Vifacora in thwarting the MDC Alliance leadership plot to smuggle Ward 1 Margaret Varley into the mayor’s office, which led to expulsion of Dlamini.

It is believed Dlamini has now crossed to the MDC-T.

Vifacora councillors met a few days ago and resolved that Dube steps down and serve as a trustee member.

No replacement has been elected.

“The resolution of the meeting which you asked the vice to chair as you had given an apology on the 10th of May, was that chairperson of Vicfacora steps down with immediate effect due to the following reasons;

“Active participation in politics as you represented and contested in the 2018 election as a member of Parliament for MDC-T Hwange West constituency and putting the association name into disrepute.

“The name of the association has been associated with the MDC-T yet our mandate is to ensure proper service delivery to the residents,” read a statement compiled by Vifacora secretary Trymore Ndolo.

“The association also resolved and recommended that you serve as a member of the board of trustees. In line with the resolution above, you are advised not to issue statements or represent the association in any manner with effect from now,” Vifacora stated.

Ironically, another politician Christopher Ndiweni who also contested the election as a Hwange West candidate under Joice Mujuru’s party, is also a member of Vifacora board of trustees.