DRAMA AFTER DRAMA IN MDC: Mwonzora expels loyalists Mukoyi and Chidhakwa, accuses them of working with CCC to wrestle party offices
EMBATTLED Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Douglas Mwonzora has expelled Shakespeare Mukoyi and Albert Chidhakwa from the party after the duo led the takeover of the iconic Harvest House. Mukoyi and former legislator Chidhakwa are among the six that have been expelled by Mwonzora as the tussle for the Harvest House continues. The expulsion follows the initial removal of Mukoyi from the position of secretary for defence after the party accused him of treachery. Harvest House was seized by Mukoyi, who claimed to have evicted Mwonzora, whom he accused of running down the party.
In a statement MDC confirmed the purging of Mukoyi and Chidhakwa, once loyalists of Mwonzora.
“Council ratified the immediate expulsion of Shakespeare Mukoyi, Albert Chidhakwa, Gift Chimanikire, Solomon “Sox” Chikohwero, Rhino Mashaya and Adrian Chifamba in terms of Clause 5.10(a) and (d) of the MDC Constitution. They are therefore barred from conducting any business or entering into any contract on behalf of the MDC,” said MDC in a statement.
The dispute over Harvest house is the latest battle for what remains of the MDC, which took a political nosedive after the death of Morgan Tsvangirai in 2018.
Since 2018, the party has been rocked by infighting and splits, weakening a movement that had formidably challenged Zanu PF under Tsvangirai.
The MDC under Mwonzora took over Harvest House in 2020 from the MDC Alliance, which was then led by Nelson Chamisa, at the height of the party’s infighting.
MDC accused Mukoyi of working with erstwhile members in the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) to wrestle the party’s premises.
“Council unequivocally condemned the violent seizure of MRT House by a group of rebels led by Shakespear Mukoyi, aided by ZANU PF, CCC, the Restoration Group members and elements of the Zimbabwe Republic Police. It further directed the Party leadership to take back MRT House without delay and by all lawful means necessary,” read the statement further.
Via NewZimbabwe
