The Sunday Mail
Brian Chitemba
ZANU-PF has thrown a lifeline for seven party bigwigs whose suspensions were either lifted or reduced after being exonerated on various charges.
Former Politburo member Cde Nicholas Goche, former Zanu PF Harare provincial chairlady Cde Ratidzo Mukarakati, former Harare secretary for legal affairs Cde Danny Musukuma and Cde Masawi had their suspensions lifted.
The ruling party’s National Appeals and Review Committee of the Central Committee chaired by Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko also cleared Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Cde Jason Machaya and Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Cde Chiratidzo Mabuwa as allegations against them were found to be without substance.
Zanu PF secretary for administration Dr Ignatius Chombo said, “Cdes Machaya and Mabuwa were found innocent because they did not attend the meetings which culminated in the allegations against them.”
“Cdes Goche, Masawi, Mukarati and Musukuma had their suspensions lifted after their respective provinces — Harare and Mashonaland Central — wrote that the cadres had shown remorse and were working well with the party.”
Former Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Cde Monica Mutsvangwa had her suspension reduced from three to two years.
Dr Chombo, who is also Home Affairs Minister, said the case of former politburo member Cde Webster Shamu was yet to be determined as the Appeals Committee was waiting for a letter from the latter’s home province — Mashonaland West — on how the former political commissar has been relating with Zanu-PF.
“Once the letter comes in, which we expect soon, then his case will be finalised,” he said.
Four councillors from Manicaland province, Dr Chombo added were expelled from the party although he could not immediately name them.
The councillors were fired from the ruling party alongside rogue war veterans namely; Cdes Victor Matemadanda, Douglas Mahiya, Francis Nhando and Headman Moyo as well as Chimanimani West legislator Engineer Munacho Mutezo.
The Disciplinary Review Appeals Committee of the Central Committee — the Appeals Committee has reviewed 25 cases which resulted in the expulsion of one party member while 14 cases of two-year suspensions were upheld and will run until completion in December 2016.
In the coming sittings, the Appeals Committee will review 27 cases, marking an end to cases of party members who appealed against their suspensions.
Cases of suspended three provincial chairpersons Cdes Joel Biggie Matiza (Mashonaland East), Ezra Chadzamira (Masvingo) and Kizito Chivamba (Midlands) would be heard next week.
The National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) chaired by Cde Patrick Chinamasa recently presided over the cases that resulted in the expulsion of eight party members at district and provincial levels, while the Appeals Committee fired one member.
The Appeals Committee was set up at the instigation of President Mugabe after some party members expressed misgivings with the NDC, whose officials sometimes brought cases as complainants and at the same time arbitrated over them without giving the alleged offenders an opportunity to defend themselves.
