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Felex Share Herald Reporter
President Mugabe’s decision to expel Vice President Joice Mujuru and her inner circle from Government is spot on and morally correct as people’s wishes were not going to be fulfilled with saboteurs in place, political analysts have said.

Legal experts weighed in saying VP Mujuru’s dismissal was legal and could not be contested in any court as she was holding office at the pleasure of the President.

President Mugabe yesterday fired VP Mujuru together with eight other Cabinet ministers who were accused of graft, abuse of office, undermining his authority including plotting to kill him.

The ministers are Webster Shamu (Information Communication Technologies, Postal and Courier Services), Simbaneuta Mudarikwa (Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs Minister), Francis Nhema (Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment), Olivia Muchena (Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development), Nicholas Goche (Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare), Didymus Mutasa (Presidential Affairs), Dzikamai Mavhaire and his deputy Munacho Mutezo (Energy and Power Development).

The conspirators are believed to be part of VP Mujuru’s cabal that stands accused of plotting to assassinate the President.

The clique was fired in terms of Section 106 (2) (b) which states that Vice Presidents, Ministers and Deputy Ministers may not act in “any way that is inconsistent with their office, or expose themselves to any situation involving the risk of a conflict between their official responsibilities and private interests,” and section 108 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.20) Act 2013, that deals with the tenure of Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

Harare lawyer Mr Terrence Hussein said President Mugabe, being the chief executive of the country, had shown that he no longer had confidence in some of his lieutenants and legally had the right to fire them.

“It’s not about whether the right or wrong section was used and I do not agree with those who say the President acted wrongly,” he said.

“It’s not for any value because you have failed to impress the appointing authority and he has the right to relieve you of your duties.”

Another legal expert, Mr Jonathan Samukange, said it was impossible for VP Mujuru to challenge her dismissal in court.

“They are serving at the pleasure of the President and that is why when he appoints. He is not expected to consult anyone.

“You are not appointed in terms of a certain clause and neither can you be removed using a certain clause. You have failed to serve for the purpose you have been appointed for and the President has a right to dismiss you.”

Moreover, the legal experts said, the Sixth Schedule of the new Constitution’s section 14 (2) reads: “Without delay the person elected as President in any election referred to in subsection (1) must appoint not more than two Vice Presidents, who hold office at his or her pleasure”.

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association secretary for information and publicity Cde Mandi Chimene, said the cabal knew the consequences of their actions and should not be surprised.

“They expected it. They knew that if they miss the target, they would be hit and now they are in for it,” she said.

Zimbabwe Liberation War Collaborators’ Association chairman Cde Pupurai Togarepi said VP Mujuru and her team had invited President Mugabe’s wrath.

“He is the captain of the ship on a voyage and if he believes the people he is steering the ship with are always sleeping, he has one option, which is to throw them overboard into the sea and continue with his journey,” he said.

“He has done it in a civilised manner. They had spoiled the image of the country and President Mugabe had been criticised for failing to fulfil election promises because of them and now he can work for the people with committed people.”

Political scientist Dr Charity Manyeruke, hailed President Mugabe for acting on behalf of the disappointed majority.

“These people negated their duties and took people for a ride. Their worst crime, as a cabal, was the plot to assassinate the President. They went against the ideals of democracy, practicing politics of a clique instead of politics of the will of the people.”

Dr Nhamo Mhiripiri said it was going to be difficult for President Mugabe to deliver with people he had no confidence in.

“Any leader needs total commitment and support from his subordinates and if you doubt them you won’t achieve your objectives.”

Said Zanu-PF Harare youth chairman Cde Godwin Gomwe: “Beginning next year, we will see changes in the country. No one was working as the focus was on factional fights. This is good riddance of bad apples who were stalling development.”

Another commentator Mr Christopher Gwatidzo added: “A number of these people have been found wanting and had betrayed the party to the extent of seeking the removal of the President.

“You can’t have them continuing to serve when they harbour such devious intentions.”