Charamba defends Parliament's ouster of Mutodi

Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba has defended the recent decision by Parliament to remove Bikita South MP Energy Mutodi from his position as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance, and Economic Development. Charamba said the action upheld the integrity of Parliament and respected the doctrine of separation of powers.

Mutodi was dismissed after publicly accusing Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga of soliciting bribes from government contractors. Writing on X under the pseudonym Dhonzamusoro007, Charamba commended the Speaker of Parliament for acting decisively, noting that parliamentary hearings are meant for evidence-based discussions rather than "bald, defamatory allegations against the Executive."

Charamba also criticised what he described as an "opposition ethos" within some circles of the ruling party, claiming that certain expectations unfairly sought to use Zanu-PF personalities and national institutions to advance opposition agendas.

Last week, Mutodi had alleged on X that Guvamatanga demanded kickbacks of between 5% and 10% from ministries and departments to release Treasury funds. He also claimed that Guvamatanga had amassed illicit wealth, including multiple properties and over 5,000 dairy cattle allegedly worth more than US$1 billion.

Mutodi repeated these allegations in Parliament, urging that Guvamatanga be summoned for questioning. He later withdrew his claims and issued a public apology.