The Victoria Falls City Council was plunged into turmoil yesterday after three Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillors were officially recalled, leading to the immediate arrest of one official and a defiant protest by another.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works notified town clerk Ronnie Dubethat Mthunzi Mpofu (Ward 9), Nkanyisa Sibindi (Ward 10), and Daniel Moyo (Ward 11) have ceased to be members of the CCC.
In a directive citing Section 278(1) of the Constitution, the Ministry declared the seats vacant and ordered the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to initiate by-election proceedings.
The announcement in the council chambers was met with high drama. Nkanyisa Sibindi was arrested on the spot, while a frustrated Mthunzi Mpofu tore his recall letter to pieces in front of officials.
"I tore the letter as soon as it was given to me. I didn't even get time to read it because I was frustrated," Mpofu said, alleging that the councillors were denied the opportunity to defend themselves.
Councillor Daniel Moyo raised questions regarding the legitimacy of the process, claiming the recall notice appeared backdated to last month. "This is another sign that shows it was a fake letter," Moyo said, adding that this was his second time being targeted for recall.
However, Victoria Falls mayor Prince Thuso Moyo was unsympathetic, informing the trio that they would no longer be allowed to participate in council business.
"You are now ordinary residents," the mayor told the recalled officials.
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The CCC leadership defended the move, citing a breach of party discipline.
CCC national organising secretary Francis Badzarigere confirmed the trio was axed for "serving the interests of other parties."
"They were warned verbally at first... but when we saw that they were not forthcoming, we decided to let them go as a party," Badzarigere said.
