Welshman Ncube accuses Mudenda of bias in CCC leadership battle

Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) faction leader Welshman Ncube has sharply criticized Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda, accusing him of siding with self-proclaimed interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu in the ongoing leadership wrangle within the party.

Ncube's accusations come amid an escalating power struggle between him and Tshabangu, which has now reached the courts. Tshabangu had controversially recalled CCC legislators aligned with Ncube, a move Ncube successfully challenged in the High Court. However, Tshabangu appealed the ruling in the Supreme Court, further intensifying the legal battle.

In response, Ncube has filed a fresh application seeking leave to execute the High Court order that nullified Tshabangu's parliamentary changes while the appeal is being heard. In his submission, Ncube has asked the court to censure Mudenda for allegedly meddling in the case and to order him to personally bear the legal costs.

"The second respondent (Mudenda) is clearly just fighting for the first and third respondents (Tshabangu and Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa), who are gasping for legal oxygen," Ncube argued in his heads of argument. "He cannot be seen meddling in matters that do not concern him. An order for costs will be sought against him to be paid personally."

Ncube accused Mudenda of lacking clarity in his legal strategy, saying, "His appeal shows how much he is clouded by mist and dust. He is clearly a busybody that must be censured."

The CCC faction leader also alleged that Mudenda has no right to appeal as the High Court order was not directed against him, adding that the Speaker had defied a court ruling against Tshabangu.

"The matter ends here," Ncube declared. "It is sad that the Speaker is crying that the order ought to have been issued against him. He is a rare litigant, and his grandeur is questionable."

Ncube further alleged that Mudenda's involvement was not only improper but also at the expense of taxpayers, describing his actions as "recalcitrant" and "mala fide."

Meanwhile, the court case has highlighted deeper divisions within the CCC. Tshabangu, who seized control of the party from its founding leader Nelson Chamisa, has been accused by Chamisa of being a Zanu PF proxy—a charge Tshabangu denies.

Tshabangu's recalls of CCC legislators have triggered expensive by-elections, further complicating the party's internal crisis.

The High Court is expected to hear Ncube's application on Friday, with the case's outcome likely to have significant implications for the CCC and its future leadership.