Zapu issued with an eviction order

BULAWAYO â€" The revived Zapu has been issued with an eviction order from its party headquarters in Bulawayo after failing to settle rent arrears amounting to over US$10 000. Zapu was given seven-days' notice to vacate the building by owners of the property after defaulting on rentals for several months.

The party was supposed to vacate the rented premises last week but has since pleaded for more time. Party spokesman Methuseli Moyo confirmed last Wednesday that the Dumiso Dabengwa-led party was facing eviction from its headquarters in central Bulawayo.

Moyo said Zapu has assigned the party's secretary for legal affairs Stephen Nkiwane to negotiate with lawyers representing the owners of the property for an extension of the eviction notice.

"We are seeking a grace period from our landlord so that we can settle our debt," said the Zapu spokesman. He said the party was busy "scrounging" for funds to clear the debt to avoid the embarrassment of eviction.

Analysts are questioning the ability of Zapu to launch a credible election campaign given the fact that it is failing to raise funds to pay for  rentals of its offices.

Zapu has threatened to take legal action to recover party properties which were seized by the government during the political disturbances in Matabeleland and Midlands regions in the 1980's.

The properties which were seized before Zapu merged with Zanu PF in 1987 include Magnet House in Bulawayo, which houses the regional headquarters of the Central Intelligence Organisation, Castle Arms Motel and properties in the Snake Park area.

Formed on December 17 1961 by the late Vice-President Joshua Nkomo, Zapu merged with PF-Zanu in 1987 to end a decade of mass killing during the Gukurahundi era.

Dabengwa, a former minister and Zanu PF politburo member, led the revival of the party after quitting the then ruling party three years ago citing continued marginisation and underdevelopment of Matabeleland.