'I don't remember inviting Gumbo, Sibanda' says Tshinga Dube

ZANU-PF Central Committee member Tshinga Dube yesterday said he does not remember inviting expelled Zanu-PF secretary for Information and Publicity Rugare Gumbo and sacked war veterans' leader Jabulani Sibanda to the wedding of his daughter in Bulawayo at the weekend.

The two were left out during introductions of dignitaries and distinguished guests at the colourful wedding attended by about 3,500 guests at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds.

Dube said a lot of people had been invited to the event a month ago and he does not remember whether or not the two were invited.

Asked if Gumbo and Sibanda's snubbing was a mistake on the part of the master of ceremony, Dube said: "I can't remember. The issue of invitations was done a long time ago. It happened last month and I don't remember who was invited and who wasn't."

"There was no segregation, most people were given invites. I can't remember names now."

Sibanda was making his first public appearance since his arrest last month on charges of insulting or undermining the authority of the President, a move that also saw him being expelled from Zanu-PF.

Gumbo and Sibanda were part of guests in the VIP section at the colourful wedding of Dube's second daughter Zwile Sicelo and Caesar Anele Mabhena.

The man tasked to introduce dignitaries formally introduced Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Lin Lin and his wife, Economic Planning Minister, Simon Khaya Moyo and his wife, Zimbabwe's ambassador to Kenya Kelebert Nkomani and former Midlands governor Cephas Msipa who was seated next to Gumbo.

The deputy Minister of Women Affairs and Community Development, Abigail Damasane,  senior army officials and delegations from Botswana, South Africa, Canada and Zambia were also introduced.

Some guests in the VIP section tried to push the official to recognise Gumbo arguing that he had left out some important people while pointing to the disgraced former Zanu-PF spokesperson but he was adamant that anyone who was not introduced was not part of the VIPs.

"I'm sorry, I'm only introducing people that ware written on my list," he said waving the list in the air.

Gumbo was seen leaving shortly afterwards while Sibanda followed proceedings with his wife.

Gumbo was expelled from the party by the Central Committee early this month during its 97th extra ordinary session.

The expulsion followed his five-year suspension for plotting against President Mugabe to pave way for former Vice President Joice Mujuru to take over.

Also present at the wedding was Zapu president Dumiso Dabengwa as well as central committee member Sikhanyiso Ndlovu and businesspeople from Bulawayo and surrounding areas.