Zanu PF dismisses Mutasa

Politics
ZANU PF yesterday dismissed the former secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa, saying he was not serious about politics, after he issued a statement questioning the party’s December congress.

ZANU PF yesterday dismissed the former secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa, saying he was not serious about politics, after he issued a statement questioning the party’s December congress.

Richard Muponde Senior Reporter The new secretary for the commissariat, Saviour Kasukuwere, said Mutasa’s statement confirmed what they have always said about him — that he was against President Robert Mugabe’s continued stay in power.

“It confirms that he’s against the president and commander in chief of the defence forces and first secretary of the party,” he shot back.

“We are ready for Mutasa.”

Zimbabwe Environment minister Saviour Kasukuwere
Zimbabwe Environment minister Saviour Kasukuwere

On Mutasa’s threat to take the dispute over the congress to court, Kasukuwere quipped: “He was defeated in Manicaland, why didn’t he go to the courts then?”

Kasukuwere said he would not waste time commenting on the matter.

However, he could not be drawn to comment on reports that former Vice-President Joice Mujuru was behind the statement, saying he could only comment on what was already in the public domain.

Gloves are off in Zanu PF following the party’s congress last month as some of the axed members seem to insist proper procedures had not been followed.

To illustrate the resolve of the axed members, former spokesperson Rugare Gumbo was quoted saying those who were writing his political obituary were daydreaming.

On Monday, Mutasa issued a statement to the media accusing newcomers to the party, whom he described as omafikizolo, of being vultures who have hijacked the party with the intention of destroying it from within.

Kasukuwere, Information minister Jonathan Moyo, Higher Education minister Oppah Muchinguri and former legislator Patrick Zhuwao have been accused of pulling the strings in Zanu PF and determining the ouster of several members, charges they deny.

Information minister Jonathan Moyo
Information minister Jonathan Moyo

Mutasa threatened to take the party to court over the congress, describing himself as the bonafide  secretary for administration.

Mutasa, Gumbo, Mujuru and 11 ministers were sacked from their positions in Zanu PF and the government for allegedly plotting to kill Mugabe and replace him with Mujuru.

Mujuru was accused of corruption and abuse of office.

Mutasa has been the most vocal of the fired members and has written to Sadc to have a look at the congress procedures.

Mutasa has said he does not recognise the rise of Emmerson Mnagangwa to the vice-presidency.