Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti has been fired from government with immediate effect.
In a statement, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda confirmed that Bhasikiti has been dismissed from his post as minister.
The statement reads “In terms of section 108 (1a) of the constitution of Zimbabwe, His Excellency, the President has terminated the employment of Honourable Kudakwashe Bhasikiti Chuma as Minister of State for Masvingo Province as his conduct had become inconsistent with his prescribed duties and functions.
“The termination is with immediate effect.”
Although no specific examples were cited of his alleged bad “conduct” President Mugabe last year accused Bhasikiti of being “in the wrong basket” (supporting the faction of deposed former Vice President Joice Mujuru). The Zanu PF leader made the remarks while greeting Bhasikiti just before a politburo meeting in Harare.
Last month Bhasikiti sued ZANU PF central committee member Tafadzwa Shumba for defamation of character.
The lawsuit stems from accusations by Shumba that Bhasikiti once addressed people in Mwenezi last year where is a member of parliament telling them that President Mugabe is senile and too old hence people should not listen to him. Bhasikiti denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit demanding USD 10 000 from Shumba for defaming his character.
In his court papers Bhasikiti is claiming that on 19 December last year Shumba addressed a ZANU PF provincial co-ordinating Committee meeting telling them that Bhasikiti had insulted President Mugabe.
In the meeting Shumba allegedly told the audience that Bhasikiti had addressed meetings in Mwenezi where he was denouncing Mugabe and describing him as too old and senile. It is alleged that Bhasikiti later on confronted acting ZANU PF provincial chairman Paradza Chakona over the utterances by Shumba.
