Mwonzora expels Mukoyi and Chidhakwa

Embattled Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Douglas Mwonzora has expelled six senior party members, including Shakespeare Mukoyi and former legislator Albert Chidhakwa, after a dramatic takeover of the party's headquarters, Harvest House, deepened internal divisions.

Mukoyi and Chidhakwa were among those expelled following their role in the seizure of the iconic opposition building, a move that has intensified the power struggle within the MDC. The expulsions come after Mukoyi was initially stripped of his position as secretary for defence, with party leaders accusing him of treachery.

Mukoyi led the takeover of Harvest House, claiming he had evicted Mwonzora, whom he accused of presiding over the party's decline. The standoff has exposed sharp fault lines within the MDC, once Zimbabwe's strongest opposition force.

In a statement, the MDC confirmed the expulsions, saying its council had ratified the immediate removal of Mukoyi, Chidhakwa, Gift Chimanikire, Solomon "Sox" Chikohwero, Rhino Mashaya and Adrian Chifamba in terms of Clause 5.10(a) and (d) of the party's constitution.

"They are therefore barred from conducting any business or entering into any contract on behalf of the MDC," the party said.

The dispute over Harvest House marks the latest chapter in the prolonged battle for control of the MDC, which has struggled to regain cohesion since the death of its founding leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, in 2018. In the years following his death, the party has been plagued by infighting and splits that have steadily eroded its political influence.

Under Mwonzora's leadership, the MDC took control of Harvest House in 2020 from the MDC Alliance, then led by Nelson Chamisa, at the height of a fierce internal power struggle. Chamisa later went on to form the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).

In its latest statement, the MDC accused Mukoyi of collaborating with rival political forces to seize the party's premises. The party alleged that he was working with former members now aligned to the CCC, as well as other groups, to wrest control of Harvest House.

"Council unequivocally condemned the violent seizure of MRT House by a group of rebels led by Shakespeare Mukoyi, aided by Zanu-PF, CCC, the Restoration Group members and elements of the Zimbabwe Republic Police," the statement said. It added that party leadership had been directed to reclaim the premises "without delay and by all lawful means necessary."

As the battle over Harvest House continues, the latest expulsions underscore the deepening crisis within a party that once posed the most serious challenge to Zanu-PF's long-standing grip on power.