Rugare Gumbo, Jabulani Sibanda snubbed at the colourful wedding

EXPELLED former Zanu-PF secretary for information Rugare Gumbo and erstwhile war veterans' leader Jabulani Sibanda were yesterday snubbed at the wedding of the daughter of Central Committee member Tshinga Dube after they were left out during introductions of dignitaries and distinguished guests.

Sibanda was making his first public appearance since his arrest last month on charges of insulting or undermining the authority of the President, a move that also saw him being expelled from Zanu-PF.

Gumbo and Sibanda were part of guests in the VIP guest section at the colourful wedding of Dube's second born daughter Zwile Sicelo Dube, and Caesar Anele Mabhena at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair hall.

The man tasked to introduce dignitaries formally introduced Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Lin Lin and his wife; Economic Planning Minister, Simon Khaya Moyo and his wife, Zimbabwe's ambassador to Kenya Kelebert Nkomani and former Midlands governor Cephas Msipa who was sitting next to Gumbo.

The Deputy Minister of Women Affairs and Community Development, Abigail Damasane, senior army officials and delegations from Botswana, South Africa, Canada and Zambia were also introduced.

Some guests in the VIP section tried to push the official to recognise Gumbo arguing that he had left out some important people while pointing to the disgraced former Zanu PF spokesperson, but he was adamant that anyone who was not introduced was not part of the VIPs.

"I'm sorry; I am only introducing people that are written on my list," he said, waving the list in the air.

Gumbo was seen leaving shortly afterwards, while Sibanda followed proceedings with his wife.

Former Matabeleland governor Angeline Masuku, who lost in the central committee elections and was sitting at the VIP table, was also not introduced.

Gumbo was expelled from the party by the Central committee early this month during its 97th extraordinary session.

The expulsion followed his five year suspension for plotting against President Mugabe to pave way for former Vice President Joice Mujuru to take over.

Also present at the wedding was ZAPU president Dumiso Dabengwa as well as central committee member Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu and business people from Bulawayo and surrounding areas.

About 3,500 guests attended the glamorous wedding and Platform One, Outfit Band and Imvimbi Arts provided entertainment.