News / Regional
Minister flees angry Mnangagwa allies
01 Dec 2015 at 05:24hrs | Views
A DEPUTY minister had to scurry for cover at a Zanu-PF provincial meeting in Gweru at the weekend after a group of angry youths charged at him labelling him a member of the G40 faction that is reportedly seeking to block Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa's bid to succeed President Robert Mugabe.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare deputy minister Tapiwa Matangaidze reportedly fled to safety after Mnangagwa's allies threatened to beat him up labelling him a "rebel".
Matangaidze is the party's Midlands provincial administration secretary and Shurugwi South MP.
Matangaidze declined to comment on the matter yesterday, but party insiders said all hell broke loose after his elevation, together with Makhosini Hlongwane and Annastacia Ndlovu in a recent Cabinet reshuffle.
Zanu-PF Midlands spokesperson Cornelius Mpereri confirmed that Matangaidze had left hurriedly, but could also not give details.
The chaotic meeting also saw the province resolving to have the seat of national political commissar, currently held by Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere, reserved for people with liberation war credentials.
Kasukuwere is reportedly fronting the bid to torpedo Mnangagwa's ascension.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare deputy minister Tapiwa Matangaidze reportedly fled to safety after Mnangagwa's allies threatened to beat him up labelling him a "rebel".
Matangaidze is the party's Midlands provincial administration secretary and Shurugwi South MP.
Zanu-PF Midlands spokesperson Cornelius Mpereri confirmed that Matangaidze had left hurriedly, but could also not give details.
The chaotic meeting also saw the province resolving to have the seat of national political commissar, currently held by Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere, reserved for people with liberation war credentials.
Kasukuwere is reportedly fronting the bid to torpedo Mnangagwa's ascension.
Source - newsday
