Ex-Zipra freedom fighters in Midlands province have petitioned War Veterans leader and minister Christopher Mutsvangwa demanding the dissolution of the newly-elected Midlands provincial executive, which they claim was not properly constituted.
BY STEPHEN CHADENGA The disgruntled war veterans claimed the Virginia Mupasu-led executive was made up of only ex-Zanla members and that it was imposed on them by the national association during “a sham election” held in Gweru last month.
Part of the petition dated September 9 read: “The Virginia Mupasu-led executive was imposed on us on August 8, 2015 at a stage-managed election where a few bought war veterans were invited.
“Since the ouster of former Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association leader Jabulani Sibanda, there have been many anomalies bedevilling our association as liberation fighters.”
Mutsvangwa could not be reached for comment on Friday.
The war veterans also questiond Mupasu’s liberation war credentials, saying it was not clear where she fought the war.
“Besides the Mupasu-led executive being comprised of ex-Zanla cadres only excluding ex-Zipra comrades, her war credentials are questionable, we only hear she is the wife of Retired Colonel Bethune Mupasu,” the war veterans said.
The liberation cadres went on to allege that since the 10-member executive was “imposed” last month, they had never made an official presentation to members.
“Instead, we have reliable information that they are putting together members of the district executive committee loyal to them,” further read the letter.
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Contacted for comment, Mupasu said she was “busy doing something” before asking this reporter to call later.
Other members of the disputed executive include Amos Mapingire (vice-chairperson), Harrison Hove (secretary), Peter Muchimwe (finance), Reign Mayo (political commissar), Augustine Taruvinga (security), Joice Makasi (transport and welfare), Maxwell Musariri (legal affairs),Oliver Pasi (information and publicity) and Betty Madhochi (women affairs).
