Zanu-PF squabbles rock Headlands

ZANU-PF supporters in Headlands were urged to unite for the good of the ruling party, amid reports of two emerging camps - one of which is pushing for the ouster of legislator, Chris Chingosho and other backing him.

The pro-Chingosho camp is accusing some Zanu-PF provincial leaders of causing confusion in the constituency.

It held a rally at Headlands Community Hall last Saturday where some members came out guns blazing against those allegedly plotting for the legislator's ouster.

"There is a group of Zanu-PF officials using all sorts of tricks to induce people to sign a petition against the MP, Chingosho. We denounce such behaviour. The protagonists are traitors and should be disciplined. They are forging some of the signatures on that petition," said Vicent Mhuruyengwe.

The petition to ouster Chingosho is allegedly being spearheaded by one Councillor Zvinzveku and one Mudonhodzi, who by Monday were said to have gleaned 6 000 signatures.

They accused the MP of dictatorship and purging them from positions they won in a recent party restructuring exercise.

Chingosho alleged that the two were working closely with his rival during the primary election, Taurai Chiripamberi, Zanu-PF provincial vice-chairperson, Joseph Mujati, other provincial members, Cdes Kudzi Madhara, Tedius Nyikayaramba, Tawanda Tswatswa and Politburo member, Kudzi Chipanga.

He accused Zanu-PF provincial chairperson, Dr Samuel Undenge for failing to attend several meetings meant to address concerns of people of Headlands.

On Dr Undenge, he said: "He did not turn up again and I was made to stand in for him. His absence is a blessing in disguise. Maybe he was going to seat on your grievances. Now that you have presented them to me, I will not tender them to him, but I will take them straight to a higher office.

"We have some party members who are spoiling for a fight by moving around soiling my image and asking people to sign a petition against me. Pane pavakatsika, but my hands are clean. They are doing it out of malice," said Chingosho.

While Dr Undenge was not readily available for comment as his mobile number was not reachable, other Chingosho's perceived opponents denied the allegations and accused him of running scared of his own shadows.

It is alleged that the rift between the feuding parties began in December when Chingosho allegedly overturned the results of two districts in his constituency won by Cdes Mudonhodzi (Mufusire) and Clr Zvinzveku (Masunzwe).

The two backed Chingosho's rivals in the primary elections, but in the June 10, 2015 by-elections, the two's districts had the highest number of voters for the Zanu PF official.

"He is trying to impose one unpopular Matonga ahead of Mudonhodzi. He also wants Clr Zvinzveku to pave way for one Koro, but they are refusing to budge because they have the people's support. He is an MP, and it is not his duty as an MP to liquidate party structures, that is the duty of the provincial committee," said Chiripamberi.

Chipanga dismissed allegations against him.

"Why would someone with enough political knowledge and understanding of basic common sense commit such a blatantly stupid act? It is weird that he is dragging all his perceived rivals across the province into his battle for tortoises.

"He needs to be a grassroots politician to avoid protest votes against him. That petition is useless, but he needs to look in the mirror. He should not lose cool when facing political challenges otherwise he will make enemies in the whole province. He needs restraint, tried and true language of democracy," said Chipanga.