Zanu-PF's Kwekwe MP Matambanadzo to be recalled

THE Zanu-PF Midlands provincial disciplinary committee has suspended Kwekwe Central MP Masango "Blackman" Matambanadzo for the next five years and also wants him recalled from Parliament for alleged misconduct.

In a letter dated April 9 and signed by acting provincial chairman Kizito Chivamba, the provincial executive accused Matambanadzo of being violent, divisive and disrespectful.

The committee also found Matambanadzo guilty of assaulting the party's provincial secretary for security Owen Ncube, holding unsanctioned party meetings and disrupting a Zanu PF meeting on July 14 last year, among other charges.

Part of the committee's findings read: "That Cde Matambanadzo did assault Hon Owen Ncube for no reason and that he did assault Cde Marko Msipa and that Cde Msipa lost an eye due to the brutal attack."

Matambanadzo, who was in the company of his bodyguard, Beden Mawire (26) and an unidentified accomplice, assaulted Ncube with fists and he also head butted him.

The Gokwe-Kana legislator sustained a swollen left eye due to the assault.

He was further found guilty of making derogatory remarks which were published in the State media after he allegedly assaulted Ncube.

"You have been suspended for five years from holding any post in the party and from addressing any party members. The committee recommended that you, Cde Matambanadzo, be recalled from Parliament because of your violent nature," the letter reads.

Matambanadzo appeared before a disciplinary hearing last week on Thursday where it was recommended that he be recalled and reduced to a card carrying member after being stripped of his position in his ward in Kwekwe.

The matter would be taken to the Politburo to uphold the decision.

If the highest decision making body outside congress resolves to uphold the decision by the provincial executive, Kwekwe Central parliamentary constituency would be declared vacant.

The party also suspended 11 other members of the party for allegedly holding unsanctioned meetings and creating parallel party structures.

Honest Diura, Jabulani Magudze, Shepherd Mazambani, Stanley Zibako, Lisbern Jaure, Phambani Phiri, Bridget Chivi, Mclean Nyamucherera, Dennis Chikomba, Prosper Mafumisa and Munyaradzi Murada were charged for contravening Article 3 Section 18 (1)(2) and (5) of the party's constitution.