MDC-T expel chairperson as in-fighting continues

MDC-T's Bulawayo East district has passed a vote of no confidence in its chairperson, Mr Dominic Shumba and the secretary Mr Silas Chigora, as in-fighting for control of the constituency continues.

According to sources within the party, factionalism is threatening to tear apart structures as there are two camps, one led by Ms Thabitha Khumalo and the other by the party's district youth chairperson, Mr Tinashe Kambarami culminating in Sunday's meeting to mend the cracks.

"A vote of no confidence was passed in the chairman (Shumba) and his secretary (Chigora) because they were dividing the party and not calling for meetings," said a source.

The source said the provincial and the national leadership approved the vote of no confidence passed on the two district senior officials at a meeting held at the party offices in the city centre.

"They blocked a number of meetings since the national congress last year," said the source.

The source accused the ousted duo of dividing the party and forming parallel structures that were countering progress.

"It was high time the party acted on them," said the source.

The district's organising secretary Mr Eddious Shumba confirmed the development although he declined to shed more light on the matter.

"I don't want to comment, but I can confirm that Shumba and Chigora no longer hold their positions," said Mr Shumba.

Mr Dominic Shumba could not be reached on his mobile for comment, as it was unreachable while Mr Chigora said: "I have no comment on that," before hanging up.

A visit to the party's offices by Chronicle on the fateful day of their ouster, party members were seen milling around impatiently.

The party members were calling for decisive action on Mr Chigora and Mr Shumba.