Mugabe expels war vets leader Mutsvangwa from Zanu PF

By Tatenda Dewa | Harare Bureau |

Zanu PF’s elite decision-making body in between party congresses, the politburo, yesterday expelled war veterans’ leader, Chris Mutsvangwa and 13 others for indiscipline, according to emerging reports.

The sword was always hovering around Mutsvangwa who Mugabe last March relieved from heading the ex-combatants ministry and replaced him with Tshinga Dube.

He had been on suspension for allegedly denigrating President Robert Mugabe’s wife, Grace.

Mutsvangwa, however, remains as the head of the Zimbabwe National War Veterans Association (ZNWVA) that recently expressed its support for Mugabe’s deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa, to take over from the 92 year old ruler.

His association has publicly supported ongoing industrial action by civil servants who are protesting delayed salaries and poor working conditions.

Zanu PF secretary for administration, Ignatius Chombo, made the announcement of the expulsions shortly after Wednesday’s politburo meeting.

Even though he did not directly name him, local media reports indicated that Chombo had described Mutsvangwa’s behaviour as having worsened since his expulsion, in apparent reference to his statements as the war vets leader.

“One member was dismissed because his behaviour had actually become worse after his suspension,” Chombo said.

Mutsvangwa could not be contacted immediately but party sources confirmed he had received the boot.

In addition to Mutsvangwa, the politburo approved the expulsion of 13 youths who had also been on suspension for reported indiscipline.

“The politburo also took time to discuss the disciplinary appeals and review committee. All the appeals against expulsion from the party by the 13 youths were unsuccessful,” Chombo said.

“This means the politburo has fully endorsed the decision of the appeals committee. This was due to the severity of their cases,” he added. Nehanda Radio