Kasukuwere unlikely to be fired

NORTON legislator and former Zanu-PF Mashonaland West chairman, Temba Mliswa has said the under-fire ruling party commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere, is unlikely to be fired judging by remarks made by Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko over the weekend.

Mphoko, who is the chairperson of the Zanu-PF appeals committee, is responsible for reviewing disciplinary cases against ruling party officials found guilty and given varying sentences.

Addressing journalists in the capital yesterday, Mliswa said Kasukuwere was being falsely accused that he wanted to topple President Robert Mugabe.

He said Mphoko's defence of Kasukuwere spoke volumes that his case was going nowhere.

"I don't blame Kasukuwere. He is appointed by the President and it is the prerogative and pleasure of the President to fire him or to keep him there," Mliswa said.

"It is pretty clear that this case is not going anywhere anymore because the chairperson of the appeals committee, VP Mphoko, has given a decision already before the matter comes before him. He said this is factional, this is (Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans chairperson) Christopher Mutsvangwa fighting Kasukuwere and, as the chairperson of the appeals committee, it means that even if the disciplinary committee chaired by Patrick Chinamasa reaches a decision to fire Kasukuwere, he can appeal to the appeals committee and they will reverse that."

He added: "The appeals committee has spoken and I believe he (Mphoko) cannot say that before speaking to the President (Robert Mugabe). He has the eyes and ears of His Excellency and he has a right to go and see him on anything."

Mliswa also alleged Kasukuwere had been doing a "demolition" job for the First Family, acting like a "vicious dog", which had single-handedly managed to destroy all factions, hence, firing him would have so many repercussions.