'Jonathan derived control of the party through media and Mugabe did not like it'

Bulawayo based political commentator and journalist Methuseli Moyo said the reason why President Robert Mugabe removed Jonathan Moyo from heading the Information Media and Broadcasting ministry was because Moyo was allegedly using the media as another centre of power to fight the former Vice president Joice Mujuru and her allies thereby creating another centre of power which is not liked by the 91 year old leader.

"Several theories have been proffered on why President Mugabe reshuffled his Cabinet, particularly why he moved Moyo from the "powerful" Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services to Higher and Tertiary Education," said Moyo.

"Let me proffer my own theory. In my view, there is perception, rightly or wrongly, that Prof Moyo was using the media as a tool in the succession fights in Zanu-PF to injure perceived and real opponents of his faction. In the aftermath of the ouster of Joice Mujuru from both party and government as Number Two, the seemingly united Mnangagwa Faction splintered into two or more groups. It is believed that Prof Moyo and Mangagwa are no longer in the same basket."

He said in his  view, Mugabe does not want any other center of power other than himself, and therefore felt he needed to remind everyone that he is still in charge and will not allow anyone to grow wings.

"Now that Mujuru, Mutasa and others have been eliminated and look determined to confront Zanu-PF at the polls in 2018, Mugabe reasons that it is time to stop the purges and re-unite his party, and he believes the media under Prof Moyo has done the opposite," said Moyo.

"He also reckons there is no way he can tone down the media with Prof Moyo still in charge, and needs a new minister with a new tact."

Moyo said on moving Ignatius Chombo to the Home Affairs portfolio, he believe it is now game on and Zanu-PF's opponents must expect to spend days and nights as guests of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

"Chombo never hesitates to do anything, hence he fits the bill very well," said Moyo.

"Whenever Zanu-PF is under pressure, like it is now going to 2018, the Ministry of Home Affairs becomes crucial. In my view, people like Mujuru, Mutasa, Mliswa and others must expect an acceleration on any outstanding issues with their former comrades."

Moyo said some people may find themselves fleeing the country or missing.

"We should also expect a shake up in the police command. I fear for Chihuri and crew," he said.

"The party now needs police commanders who will arrest on orders. Kembo Mohadi's transfer to the State Security portfolio, is neither here nor there. The CIO reports directly to Mugabe."