Zanu-PF panics as Mujuru makes inroads

Zanu-PF officials in Mashonaland and Manicaland East provinces are reportedly quaking in their boots following reports that former Vice President Joice Mujuru's People First movement has made significant in-roads in the provinces.

The ruling party's Manicaland acting provincial youth chairman, Mubuso Chinguno last Wednesday told fellow party members to be on high alert as-PF foot soldiers were targeting Zanu-PF structures and sitting MPs.

"Almost three weeks ago at Didymus Mutasa's farm, almost 150 members from Manicaland were invited to a People First meeting, the meeting was attended by Rugare Gumbo and Dzikamai Mavhaire was the master of ceremony," Chinguno said.

"James Kahuni from the province, who was also purged from Zanu-PF, is one of the leading figures in the province for People First. It is those who were purged who are in the structures. While some are still within the Zanu-PF structures, they are eager to destabilise the party from within and join Mujuru's party later."

Chinguno claimed Chimanimani West MP, Munacho Mutezo (Zanu-PF) was the point person for Mujuru's party in the province.

"In Chimanimani West, they are distributing pamphlets. Those who were purged are working with councillors they used to work with in the party. They are being given money to campaign in their districts and they are being told that the party [PF] will be launched next year," he said.

"I know what is happening, they are campaigning in bars, at funerals, and everywhere and as youths we are the vanguard of the party. I am urging the politburo to look at those who have double standards like Mutezo."

Mutezo was last year slapped with a three-year suspension from Zanu-PF over his alleged links to the Mujuru camp.

"Mutezo should stand as People First, not what he is doing, he has been canvassing for support in Chimanimani West constituency for the past three days (this week), it's my opinion, they are no longer doing their job," Chinguno said.

"I am urging youths in the party to be on the watch in our districts and we should be alert. Let's pass this message to our brothers, mothers, sisters and fathers and all other party members, that we should be on the alert."

Contacted for comment, Mutezo said: "Who said that and when did you last hear me comment over such issues? Okay, I do not have any comment."

Zanu-PF Mashonaland East provincial leaders also issued similar warnings last week, urging party members to be vigilant and guard against infiltration.