HARARE – A brutal purge has shaken the ruling Zanu-PF party, with nine members, including outspoken war veteran and Central Committee member Blessed Geza, being expelled and several others suspended.
The expulsions, which are widely seen as a crackdown on party members opposing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s alleged plan to extend his term of office beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit until 2030, were announced by Secretary for Legal Affairs Patrick Chinamasa, citing allegations of indiscipline, undermining the party, and treasonous acts against the state.
Geza, from Mashonaland West Province, was accused of disloyalty, which warranted immediate action to maintain discipline and unity within the party.
Geza has been vocal in his criticism of the 2030 agenda. One of his notable remarks was telling Mnangagwa that the only 2030 he would see was on his watch.
He is on the police wanted list for a series of alleged crimes that only came to light after he called for Mnangagwa to step down.
Other notable expulsions included Gifford Gomwe, Kudakwashe Gopo, and Benjamin Ganyiwa, who were accused of creating WhatsApp groups that undermined the party, disrupting meetings, and fanning factionalism.
Ganyiwa, the National Assembly member for Gutu East was expelled for several reasons, including attempting to remove six district chairpersons unconstitutionally, promoting factionalism, and holding unauthorised meetings where the President was criticized.
He will be recalled from Parliament, prompting a by-election for his seat.
In contrast, Roy Bila, the Member of Parliament for Chiredzi North, has been cleared of all charges against him. Calisto Bangu will face the National Disciplinary Committee to address accusations of undermining the party.
Another member, Spencer Mutero was expelled from Zanu-PF for allegedly attacking Mnangagwa.
“He personally attacked the President and First Secretary of the party on social media in violation of Section 549.
“Deliberately disseminating false information to create disharmony within the party. The province recommended his suspension for three years, but the Politburo found that this was a serious offence which required expulsion,” Chinamasa said.
The Zanu-PF National Political Commissar, Munyaradzi Machacha, announced plans to develop a Social Media policy to regulate party conduct online, warning that any deviation from party values or disciplinary standards will result in expulsion.
Meanwhile, factionalism within Zanu-PF stems from the ongoing succession disputes between Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga.
Chiwenga, who is regarded as the frontrunner in the race to succeed Mnangagwa, is opposed to the 2030 agenda. The expelled members are accused of aligning with him.
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