'Zanu-PF operates separately from govt,' says Gumbo

The fights in Zanu-PF climaxed last week when presidential spokesperson George Charamba and Zanu-PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo issued contradicting statements over the elections in Mashonaland Central won by Luke Mushore.

While Charamba said the politburo was yet to receive a report on the elections, Gumbo said the opposite. Information, Media and Broadcasting Services minister, Jonathan Moyo weighed in, in support of Charamba and warning Gumbo against insubordination.

Gumbo yesterday said he stood by his statement. He said Charamba and the Ministry of Information had no right to meddle in Zanu-PF affairs as the party operated separately from government.

"I am spokesperson for the party and when I issue a statement these will not be my personal views. I consult the relevant departments and officials," he said.

Gumbo said he would not defy Mugabe and accused Charamba of employing "tricks" in order to create a rift between himself and Mugabe.

"Those are tricks to try and create a rift between me and the president. But we (him and Mugabe) know each other, we have been in this game for a long time from the 1960s, I would never defy the president because I speak for the party."

On the issue of the Mujuru-headed committee which is now supervising the elections, Gumbo said he was only instructed to announce it. Gumbo said results in Mashonaland Central were announced just like it was done in Midlands and Manicaland and there was no deliberate effort to by-pass Mugabe.