Mutasa, Mliswa to be recalled from parliament

ZANU-PF administration secretary, Ignatius Chombo, has written to the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda notifying him of the party's decision to recall Didymus Mutasa and Hurungwe West MP, Temba Mliswa.

The letter formerly declares that Mutasa and his nephew are no longer MPs and that the constituencies they represented are now vacant

Mudenda confirmed receiving the letter from the ruling party, adding he would make an announcement at next parliamentary sitting.

Two weeks ago, Zanu-PF expelled Mutasa and Mliswa on allegations of factionalism, insubordination. The two officials were also accused of plotting against President Robert Mugabe to have ousted vice Joice Mujuru as party leader.

But Mliswa, who was Zanu-PF Mashonaland West chairman, has warned that the party was going to lose the forthcoming by-elections as he had done enough to ensure victory even as an independent candidate.

He said the people in his constituency appreciate the work he has put in as he tried to improve their lives.

Mutasa told one of the local newspapers that he will defend his Headlands constituency under the banner of the 'original Zanu-PF'. However, Zanu-PF said Mutasa will never represent the party in any election.

In a stinging statement, party information chief Simon Khaya Moyo lashed out at the independent media which he said was trying to promote a "lost cause".

"The statement by Cde Didymus Mutasa in which he states that he will stand as a Zanu-PF candidate come the by-election in Headlands, Manicaland province is the highest form of absurdity," said Khaya Moyo.

"Cde Mutasa has been a member of Zanu-PF for a very long time until his expulsion a few days ago. He knows the rules and regulations of the party and the reasons for his expulsion. I have issued a statement on this matter and other matters."