Kasukuwere throws “Diesel in Chinhoyi” insult at Mutasa

Zanu PF’s new political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere has ridiculed Didymus Mutasa accusing the former presidential affairs minister and ousted Zanu PF Secretary for Administration of leading party members astray.

During a heated provincial meeting in Mashonaland West, Kasukuwere mocked Mutasa by referencing the embarrassing “Diesel in Chinhoyi” saga that saw Mutasa and several other government ministers believe ridiculous claims that purified diesel could ooze from rocks in Chinhoyi.

“To those who are said to be planning to form their party like Cde Mutasa they should go ahead, but I cannot follow him . . . going where? To go for diesel here in Chinhoyi. We don’t want it. People should not be led astray,” Kasukuwere said.

Kasukuwere was having a dig at Mutasa and his cabinet colleagues for being conned by a little known spirit medium Rotina Mavhunga into believing she could produce pure diesel from the Maningwa Hills in the bush in Chinhoyi.

Even President Robert Mugabe chaired cabinet meetings in which claims by the Grade 3 educated Mavhunga were discussed at length.

A high-powered government delegation packed with people like the then State Security Minister Didymus Mutasa, Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi and Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi were sent to investigate the claims.

Mugabe’s regime fell for her con and met her demands for 2 head of cattle, 3 buffaloes and Z$5 billion. After three years on the run Mavhunga was eventually arrested and jailed by Chinhoyi provincial magistrate Ignatius Mugova.

Mutasa has angered the Zanu PF faction loyal to Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa after writing a hard-hitting statement claiming the congress held in December was null and void as it was unconstitutional and marred by intimidation and victimisation. There are now calls for Mutasa’s expulsion.