Suspended Mutambara MDC MP’s to face weekend hearings

By Lance Guma
29 June 2009

Five MP’s from the Mutambara MDC are due to appear before a disciplinary committee this weekend, Newsreel has been told. Abednico Bhebhe (Nkayi South), Norman Mpofu (Bulilima East) and Njabuliso Mguni (Lupane East) were suspended from the party several months ago on charges of campaigning for the main wing of the MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai. Two other MP’s, Thandeko Mkandla (Gwanda North) and Maxwell Dube (Tsholotsho South), were not suspended as reported by other news organisations, but have been asked to attend the disciplinary hearings to answer similar but different charges.

The hearings were initially meant to start on Saturday 27th June but were later postponed because of various reasons, including the ongoing constitutional hearings around the country. Newsreel was not able to confirm whether suspended party officials like former St Mary’s MP Job Sikhala, national chairman for the Youth Assembly Gift Nyandoro and commercial farmer Alex Goosen would attend the hearings. Sikhala has hinted in the past that the suspension was a blessing in disguise as he believed the party had lost direction under the leadership of Arthur Mutambara. Nyandoro meanwhile claimed he quit the party a year ago and thought the suspension was an ‘April Fools joke.’

Nkayi South MP Bhebhe refused to give Newsreel an interview, saying he would only do so after the hearing. He however said, “Let those who think I am wrong dream on.” Our Bulawayo correspondent Lionel Saungweme reports that there is a lot of disharmony within the camp. He told us the suspended MP’s have already engaged the services of a lawyer who will challenge the procedure followed in dealing with their cases. The MP’s we are told will argue that there are no ‘complainants’ in the matters raised, and that the top leadership is seeking to impose their wishes on the supporters. They will argue that only the branch, ward, district or province can refer a matter to the National Executive, which has not happened in their case.

Newsreel received copies of the suspension letters issued to the MP’s and all of them accuse the MP’s of campaigning for the main wing of the MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai. Bhebhe, for example, is facing a total of 6 charges while the other MP’s face 3 to 4 different charges. One of the legislators confirmed to us that the Mutambara MDC top leadership was heavily divided over the suspensions. Party president Mutambara and his deputy Gibson Sibanda are opposed to the disciplinary action, while Secretary General Welshman Ncube, his deputy Priscilla Misihairambwi Mushonga and treasurer-general Fletcher Dulini Ncube are in favour.