Mutambara suffers a setback as MPs reject him

Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara has suffered a setback after some legislators he claimed had jumped the ship from rival faction leader Welshman Ncube distanced themselves from the robotics professor.

Only one MP, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Nomalanga Mzilikazi Khumalo, who was appointed as MDC-M's new Vice President, was present at a press conference where Mutambara claimed most MPs had left Ncube for his outfit.

Part of the statement read: "MDC-M wishes to advise the public that the under listed honourable members wish to categorically reaffirm their allegiance to MDC-M Party, on whose ticket they were elected into office, MPs Nomalanga Khumalo, Maxwell Dube, Thandeko Mnkandla and Senators Khembo Dube and Dalimuzi Khumalo. The remaining MPs will make their positions known soon, with regards to the above."

But in separate interviews, the MPs, except Khumalo, expressed ignorance over the matter.

"I cannot confirm that when the matter is still at the courts. I don't even know in what context they (MDC-M) were saying that so I cannot comment on a subject on which I have no information," Mnkandla said.

Another MP Maxwell Dube expressed shock at hearing that he had pledged his allegiance to Mutambara.

"Ah! Where are you getting that information from?" Dube asked.

However, Senator Khembo Dube confirmed that his allegiance now lay with the Mutambara faction by simply saying "yes" when the question was put to him.

Senator Dalimuzi Khumalo could not be reached for a comment.

Making the announcements of the new executive, Joubert Mudzumwe, the MDC-M national chairperson, said Mutambara would remain the president of the party but they would respect the courts because he is still interdicted from carrying duties as party president.

Nomalanga Khumalo, who is now the party's acting president, pending the finalisation of the Mutambara and Ncube's court case stands to lose her post as Deputy Speaker of Parliament should Mutambara lose the case.

Mutambara and Ncube have been embroiled in a battle to control the MDC following their congress held in January.

Mutambara claims the meeting, which elected Ncube as the new party president, was unconstitutional.