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Diana Nherera and Freeman Razemba
Zanu-PF has appointed Harare provincial youth vice chair Cde Edson Takataka as the acting chair following allegations of extortion against the incumbent Godwin Gomwe.Gomwe has been denied bail at the Harare Magistrates’ Court together with six others for extorting almost $46 000 from housing co-operatives in Harare using First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe’s name.

Speaking after a meeting which made the decision to appoint Cde Takataka, Zanu-PF national secretary for the Youth League Cde Pupurai Togarepi said Harare province will follow correct procedures in dismissing its members.

“Let us allow the law to take its course,” he said.

“The leadership of Harare province remains intact and no unconstitutional processes to dismiss others will be allowed.”

Cde Togarepi urged youths to take heed of President Mugabe’s call to shun corruption and other vices.

“The party will take appropriate action against anyone found guilty of indiscipline without hesitation,” he said.

Addressing a rally in Kuwadzana yesterday to drum up support for the party candidate in the June 10 by-elections, Zanu-PF national political commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere warned party members abusing the party name for criminal activities and extorting money from people that they will be arrested and prosecuted.

“If people are given land by Zanu-PF, let them live in peace and don’t take away money from them because it is Zanu-PF that would have given the land,” he said in apparent reference to Gomwe.

“Zanu-PF doesn’t want members who abuse the party’s name to abuse people and vendors in the name of the party.

“These people should not rebel against the President. President Mugabe loves his people.

“For us to be here it’s because of Zanu-PF; for us to be in the urban areas it’s Zanu-PF and, for us to be leaders who stand in front of you and address you it’s because of President Mugabe.

“As leaders, let’s never separate the President from his people.

“If you commit any criminal activities wearing the party regalia, it will be exchanged with a prison garb when you are arrested.”

Cde Kasukuwere said people should never hate Zanu-PF because of some greedy members of the party.

Gomwe (34) is being jointly charged with Muchineripi Mupindu, alias Ginya (36), Fidelis Ndaradza, alias Brigadier (32), Haruwandi Munyawiri, alias Baya (46), Hamphrey Madenyika (29), Josephine Hadziindi (59) and Norah Toronga (38).

They are facing three counts of extortion and were remanded in custody to June 17.

Speaking at the 2015 police Presidential Graduation Parade of 698 officers in Harare recently, President Mugabe called on the police to expeditiously investigate all cases of corruption, dishonesty and abuse of authority.