The ruling Zanu PF party completed its takeover and ownership of the opposition MDC name on Tuesday when the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda allowed Thokozani Khupe’s MDC-T to recall four MPs who were elected on a rival MDC Alliance ticket.
The four are: Mr Prosper Mutseyami (Dangamvura), Chalton Hwende (Kuwadzana East), Thabitha Khumalo (proportional representation) and Senator Lillian Timveous (Midlands).
Mr Hwende who is the MDC Alliance secretary general said he was not a member of the MDC-T.
“I contested the elections as an MDC Alliance member and even the MDC-T contested those elections and lost. I am going to notify the President and the party leadership and a comprehensive statement would be issued,” he said.
Ms Timveous echoed similar sentiments.
“I am not a member of the MDC-T but belong to the MDC Alliance led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa. So to me the struggle continues but I will inform the party and they will guide me on the way forward,” she said.
MDC-T secretary general Douglas Mwonzora said the four were recalled as they had acted in an irresponsible manner.
“These members did something positively wrong. Besides being in authority and in a position of responsibility, they actually acted in a manner that called for an action like this.
“For example, Honourable Hwende tweeted that he was no longer a member of the MDC that was once led by Tsvangirai. That is a statement we can never allow because it is both factually and politically incorrect,” said Mr Mwonzora.
Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda has announced Hon Mutseyami, Khumalo & Chalton Hwende are no longer Members of Parliament following a recall by their party MDCT. His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa will proclaim by-elections dates for the affected Constituencies. pic.twitter.com/7GDnYbi6AY
— Hon. Dr Energy Mutodi (PhD) (@energymutodi) May 5, 2020