Zanu-PF expels 5 members

The 22nd Zanu-PF Annual National People's Conference, held last week in Mutare, concluded with the expulsion of five party members, including former Central Committee member Blessed Geza, as part of a broader review of 30 disciplinary cases.

According to the Central Committee Report presented by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the conference adopted a range of disciplinary outcomes, including expulsions, suspensions, demotions, acquittals, and referrals back to provincial structures for further scrutiny.

Zanu-PF national chairperson and head of the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC), Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, reported that the committee had handled 30 cases during the review period, including two appeals, with 28 cases concluded. The expelled members were found guilty of undermining the authority of the President and included Blessed Geza and Gifford Gomwe from Mashonaland West Province, Kudakwashe Gopi from Masvingo Province, and Victor Maningi and Spencer Mutero from Harare Province.

Other disciplinary outcomes saw Chiredzi North legislator, Roy Bhila of Masvingo Province, acquitted of indiscipline charges. Meanwhile, Jonathan Shonhiwa from Masvingo had his case referred back to the Provincial Disciplinary Committee for further examination. Two appeal cases, those of Ratidzo Mukarati from Harare and Rabson Mashulani from Masvingo, were referred to the Ad Hoc Appeals Committee of Congress, with Mukarati challenging a demotion and Mashulani contesting a three-year suspension.

Several other party members had their suspensions confirmed, including Kudakwashe Damson from Harare Province, who will serve a two-year suspension from holding any party position but remains a card-carrying member.

The conference underscored Zanu-PF's commitment to discipline and accountability within its ranks, signaling that challenges to leadership authority or internal party protocols would face strict consequences.