MDC-T's Matson Hlalo recalled from the Senate

BULAWAYO Senator Matson Hlalo has been fired from Parliament's Upper House after the MDC-T wrote to Senate President Edna Madzongwe disowning him.

Acting Senate President Charles Tawengwa announced Hlalo's expulsion yesterday, in line with section 129 (1) (k) of the Constitution, which allows political parties to recall MPs that have crossed the floor.

Recently,  the MDC-T's national executive council expelled Hlalo from the party following what they deemed his relentless fight against what he says is the imposition of Gift Banda as the party's Bulawayo provincial chairman.

MDC-T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora said he had already written to the legislator informing him of the termination of his membership of the main opposition party.

"Yes, it's correct. He has been expelled.

"Last year, he was advised by the National Council (NC) that we should not resolve party disputes through the courts, as people must exhaust domestic remedies.

He was ordered to withdraw his court cases, but he refused.

"The NC last year then ruled that he be expelled."

He said Hlalo was advised to defend himself and show why he should not be expelled, but he ignored the instruction.

"He was then found to be in contempt of the NC and was dismissed," Mwonzora added.