Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
MDC-T has suspended two legislators from carrying out party activities in Manicaland as factionalism rocks the

party’s provincial structures.

The party’s Manicaland provincial structure led by Mr Julias Magarangoma said it has suspended Mutasa North MP, Mr David Chimhini and Mutasa Central legislator, Mr Trevor Saruwaka.
Four other provincial party members were also suspended for allegedly dividing the party.

Mr Chimhini, who is said to be leading a party provincial parallel structure, contested and lost to Mr Magarangoma for the provincial chairperson post just before the party’s 2010 national congress that was characterised by violence.
Sources allege that Mr Chimhini encouraged his followers to boycott a party workshop that was going to be addressed by the party’s organising department recently.

While Mr Chimhini was not available, Mr Saruwaka dismissed the suspensions, arguing that the province had no capacity to do that.
“They have no legitimacy to do that. It’s not binding. It’s null and void,” said Mr Saruwaka.
He said no formal communication has been given to them on the suspensions.

Mr Saruwaka said allegations being levelled against them were vague, making it difficult for them to make a meaningful response.
“The allegations are false. It is also not clear whether these allegations of dividing the party apply to all of us because we come from separate districts,” he said.
The letters of suspension were written by the MDC-T provincial secretary, Mr Misheck Kagurabadza.
Mr Kagurabadza, who is also the Mutasa South legislator, declined to comment.

Other party officials suspended include Mutasa North district chairperson Adam Muponda, Buhera South district chairperson Aaron Gandanga, Makoni West district chairperson Tendai Pfachi and Mutasa Central organising secretary Rose Mukodza.
Mr Muponda’s letter of suspension read: “At a meeting held on April 23 at the provincial offices, the executive committee resolved that you be suspended as chairperson pending investigations and subsequent disciplinary hearing for violating the party’s code of conduct, section 2, of the constitution of the MDC.”

Mr Chimhini is alleged to have sent a text message to his followers advising them not to attend a district workshop.