MDC fires Shakespeare Mukoyi

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has fired Shakespeare Mukoyi from his position as Secretary for Defence following his role in last month's dramatic takeover of the party's headquarters, Harvest House (now MRT House).

Mukoyi and a faction aligned to him stormed the MDC offices, declaring they had removed party president Douglas Mwonzora from power. The group accused Mwonzora of mismanaging the party and claimed they were reclaiming leadership authority.

However, the MDC leadership has responded firmly. In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the party said Mukoyi's actions constituted "treacherous, criminal, and deeply regrettable conduct" that had tarnished the organisation's name.

"The President of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Senator Douglas Togaraseyi Mwonzora, has, with immediate effect, withdrawn the appointment of Mr Stewart Shakespeare Mukoyi as Secretary for Defence," the party announced.

The statement accused Mukoyi of glorifying militant and unlawful behaviour inconsistent with the MDC's declared commitment to peaceful democratic engagement.

"Ours is a democratic movement that aspires to assume state power through peaceful, constitutional, and lawful means. We condemn in the strongest terms any acts that undermine that vision."

The fallout marks the latest episode in a long-running internal power struggle. Mwonzora's faction seized Harvest House in 2020 from the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance amid escalating rivalry over the party's name, symbols and assets.

The MDC claims Mukoyi's group has been operating outside party structures and violating both internal regulations and national law. According to the statement, the faction has been involved in "extortion of party funds, violent conduct, and the illegal occupation of party premises."

The party further warned individuals and organisations against associating with Mukoyi and his allies, saying the takeover of Harvest House remains before the courts.

"Let it be known that any individual or entity that chooses to associate with Mr Mukoyi and his co-conspirators does so at their own peril.
Their actions are not only unconstitutional but are also in contempt of court."

With the matter now set for legal determination, the MDC faces yet another test of stability as Zimbabwe's opposition landscape continues to fracture.

Whether Mukoyi will launch a counter-structure or challenge the dismissal remains unclear. The internal dispute adds to mounting questions over the future direction and cohesion of a party already shaken by years of splits, defections and leadership battles.