Mphoko's 'reckless' statements anger Zanu-PF members

Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has riled Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial structures with his controversial Gukurahundi sentiments.

Mphoko last week told the State run Sunday Mail newspaper that President Robert Mugabe was not behind the Gukurahundi atrocities of the early 80s that killed more than  20 000 people but a Western conspiracy.

Gukurahundi was carried out by the fifth brigade to crush PF Zapu and its supporters in Midlands and Matabeleland.

The Zanu PF Bulawayo which has since 2000 performed dismally in national elections feel Mphoko's remarks would not help their cause.

"For Mphoko to be appointed Vice President, he was elected into the Central Committee under Bulawayo. After his appointment as VP, he was meant to be the face of the province but the reckless statements he has been making recently do not do the province any good," said a senior member.

"The reckless statement about Gukurahundi has angered the people so much. Recently he spoke ill of vendors who form a majority in the city."

The Zanu PF members said Mphoko was out of touch with the politics on the ground and was now a curse to the province.

"He should just keep quiet and learn to consult others before making statements on issues that will negatively affect the part."