Villagers push for recall of Insiza councillor

Some villagers in Insiza North, Matabeleland South, have demanded the recall of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) ward 15 councillor Lesley Mazara Dube, accusing him of political inconsistency after he contested a parliamentary by-election as an independent candidate and later returned to his council seat.

Dube, a former CCC representative, stood as an independent in the June 14 by-election to replace the late Zanu PF legislator Farai Taruvinga but lost to ruling party candidate Delani Moyo. After the defeat, Dube reverted to his role as councillor, sparking outrage among constituents who accuse him of flip-flopping for personal gain.

Residents have also turned their anger on ward 23 councillor Nomusa Moyo, who allegedly acted as Dube's campaign manager during the by-election. Both are now facing calls for recall.

"The CCC should just recall Dube and Moyo, the one who backed him as his campaign manager," said one villager.

Ward 23 CCC member Khaya Moyo confirmed that several party supporters wanted the two councillors summoned before a disciplinary hearing.

However, the Jameson Timba-led CCC provincial chairperson for Matabeleland South, Solani Moyo, said he was not aware of the demands.

"I am hearing it for the first time. As a Senator in Matabeleland South, this has not reached me," he said. "We do not know since our party was hijacked by thieves. Currently, everyone is doing what they want and it's hard to know what is happening."

CCC presidential spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi, aligned with the rival Welshman Ncube-led faction, insisted that Dube and Moyo were not part of the "legitimate" party.

"Our understanding is that the legitimate CCC is the one led by Professor Welshman Ncube, and we did not sponsor anyone in the Insiza North by-election," Chihwayi said. "If any member joins another party or participates in an election as an independent, the person ceases to be a member of CCC. The call for recall by the villagers is justified."

He added that the opposition was undergoing a "cleansing process" aimed at removing "bad apples," while prioritising broader political programmes over internal disputes.

The dispute highlights ongoing turbulence within the CCC, which has splintered into rival factions following months of contested leadership claims and disputed recalls.