Disgruntled MDC MPs defect to renewal team

By Jeffrey Muvundusi

BULAWAYO – Two disgruntled mainstream MDC legislators have defected to the MDC renewal team citing vote rigging at the just-ended provincial elections.

Speaking during a press conference held at Samuel Sipepa Nkomo’s residence in Killarney suburb on Monday, Pumula MP Albert Mhlanga, who defected along with Gladys Mathe and ward 8 councillor Sheila Nkomo, said it had become virtually impossible to belong to the party.

“In fact, it is practically impossible for any sane individual who experienced the events of the provincial congress to ignore the criticisms that have been levied against MDC-T,”  Mhlanga said.

He had retained his position as an organising secretary through confirmation at the congress, which saw Gift Banda being elected provincial chairman.

The Pumula legislator, who also claimed to have been manhandled by party youths during the congress, said the mainstream MDC was a party which had lost its original ideals and values.

However, he claimed that 14 other Bulawayo councillors and Binga MP Prince Sibanda were on their way to the Sekai Holland-chaired formation.

The defectors were welcomed by provincial chairperson Kucaca Phulu and national chairman Sipepa Nkomo at the event that had other local party leaders.

Bhebhe, the mainstream MDC deputy national organising secretary, said they had seen it coming.

“Their behaviour and utterances in the press had shown us that they are moles in the party,” Bhebhe said.

“Anyway, as a party, we did not harass them; we did not push them and they left us on their own. As a result, we wish them well where ever they are going,” he said. Daily News