Witch-hunt in MDC-N

THE Movement for Democratic Change formation led by Professor Welshman Ncube has instituted a probe to find out who leaked a story about its party's secretary general who attempted to take her life, we exclusively reveal.

The story which did not name Priscilla Musihairambwi–Mushonga was published by the B Metro newspaper in the city a week ago.

Musihairambwi-Mushonga is the only female secretary general of a political party in Zimbabwe, which has representatives in the Parliamentary Select Committee and thus Bulawayo24.com names her.

Its reported that the party's secretary general attempted suicide after being cornered in a meeting by some members who wanted her to explain the way she treats and funds the party's Programmes in Matabeleland.

Its also reported that she walked away from a meeting in Bulawayo organized by the Bulawayo Business Community after a Mr Ndebele who was chairing the meeting asked her who she was.

However the whole suicide saga has taken a new twist as the MDC has started an investigation to find out who leaked the story.

An impeccable source in Harare who requested anonymity said there are now two suspects who "might" have leaked the embarrassing story.

The suspects are freelance journalist Busani Ncube and the party's national organizing secretary – Qhubani Moyo.

"Busani has been working with Zimpapers for a decade and is close to many people there, he even writes for the Sunday News whereas Qhubani knows all reporters at Chronicle offices and has a motive of soiling Priscilla's name," said the source.

Both Busani Ncube and Qhubani Moyo are former Zapu 2000 activists and have worked together at Bulawayo Dialogue and Radio Dialogue.

Ncube was the national youth organizing secretary whereas Moyo was the national organizing secretary – whereas at Radio Dialogue Ncube was a marketing assistant, whilst Moyo was his marketing manager.

"Ncube and Moyo are both close friends of Simiso Mlevu, the reporter who wrote the damning story," said the source.

Soon after the completion of the probe, both suspects will be hauled before a disciplinary hearing, the source said.

Contacted for comment Ncube said:

"I have read the story you are talking about after first hearing about it from Discent Bajila (national youth secretary general) when I was in Harare. I am perturbed that any serious organisation would sit and gossip about who leaks information that is in the public domain.  

"I do not leak stories, I write them and as a journalist I owe my duty to the profession and not anyone. I dare say, if anyone calls me for some kangaroo court, they will regret ever knowing me.

"Instead of sitting down and deliberating on what to do about Nomalanga Khumalo and other party scoundrels they waste time discussing suicide attempts that are as known as sunrise and sunset," fumed Ncube.

Moyo could not be reached for comment.

The source said the whole "suicide story leaking saga" is connected "heavily" to a silent succession battle within the MDC.

MDC's spokesperson Nhlanhla Bahlangene Dube could not be reached for comment as his mobile phone went unanswered.

Bulawayo24.com will publish the whole succession saga soon.