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Christopher Mutsvangwa

Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
Norton Member of the National Assembly Christopher Mutsvangwa faces recall from Parliament after Zanu-PF expelled him from the revolutionary party, a situation that is set to trigger a by-election in the constituency.

Zanu-PF expelled Mutsvangwa for being unrepentant after he was suspended for three years for denigrating party leadership.

Mutsvangwa’s expulsion came after the Politburo upheld recommendations by Zanu-PF’s disciplinary Appeals and Review committee of the Central Committee, chaired by Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, to fire the outspoken politician.

The expulsion from the party should see Mutsvangwa losing his parliamentary seat in terms of the provisions of the Constitution.

Zanu-PF secretary for Administration Dr Ignatius Chombo is expected to write to the Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda informing him of the party’s decision.

Dr Chombo was not available yesterday, but Adv Mudenda said he was still to get the letter.

“Not yet. We have not seen the letter. I think you better talk to the party concerned,” said Adv Mudenda.

Zanu-PF is expected to retain the seat following a decision by the major opposition political party, MDC-T not to contest all by-elections claiming that the playing field is not even.

In a letter to Ambassador Mutsvangwa, Dr Chombo said the party had resolved to expel the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veteran Association chairperson because he had remained unrepentant.

“Having gone through your appeal, the committee found that you were neither apologetic nor remorseful in your behaviour.

“You continued to denigrate senior party leaders, bringing Zanu-PF into disrepute.

“Your actions and utterances violated the amended Zanu-PF Constitution Article 28, Section 262 read in conjunction with Article 3 Section 21, leading to your expulsion,” the letter reads in part.

Dr Chombo was quoted at the weekend saying Cde Monica Mutsvangwa, wife to Ambassador Mutsvangwa, had her sentence reduced to two years after she had been suspended by the Manicaland Province Women’s league for gross indiscipline.

The Zanu-PF National Secretary for Administration said appeals by 13 expelled youths had been thrown out after the charges against them were upheld for gross indiscipline and misconduct.

Letters informing the determination of 28 other party officials had already been dispatched following a Politburo meeting.

Some of the officials had their suspension duration varied.

VP Mphoko chairs the committee, which was set up at the instigation of President Mugabe for party members who felt aggrieved after being expelled or suspended from the party.