Deputy mayor, six councillors expelled

THE has expelled Mutare deputy MDC-T mayor and six other councillors from the party in a move that automatically leaves their respective wards vacant.

In a letter dated November 4, 2020, written by Local Government and Public Works Minister, July Moyo, and addressed to Mutare Town Clerk, Mr Joshua Maligwa — a copy of which this paper has in possession

— the declaration of the vacancies are in line with Section 278(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe as read with Section 129(1) (k).

Reads the letter: “I wish to inform you that I am in receipt of a letter from the Movement of Democratic Change ( T) stating that the following councillors have been expelled from that party.

“These are Cllrs Kudakwashe Chisango ( Ward 18), Edson Kalulu ( Ward Four),

Simon Mapuvire ( Ward Five), John Nyamhoka ( Ward 17), Monica Mukwada ( Ward 13), Sophia Gwasira ( Ward Eight) and Crispen Dube ( Ward Nine). In terms of Section 121 of the Electoral Act, please inform the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.”

Mr Maligwa confirmed receiving the letter.

“I received the communication and have since advised ZEC accordingly,” he said.

The expelling of the councillors follows a March Supreme Court ruling which ruled that Mr Nelson Chamisa who stood as the MDC Alliance leader in the 2018 elections unlawfully took over the reign of the party following the death of its president, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai.

The ruling recognised Dr Thokozani Khupe as the acting leader until a congress is held to elect the party’s substantive leadership.