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Nduduzo Tshuma Political Editor
MASHONALAND Central Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Martin Dihna yesterday confirmed receiving an AK bullet and a note threatening him with death but vowed that he would not yield to the perpetrators’ demands for him to resign. Cde Dinha also blasted the Daily News who reported on the matter yesterday for trying to link Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko to the incident, saying he was dismayed by the publication’s attempt to label him as a member of a faction.
The publication claimed that the threats on Cde Dinha’s life was part of the Zanu-PF succession wars and went on to quote a faceless party official claiming that a faction within the party wanted the provincial affairs minister, through VP Mphoko who is acting President, to be arrested on corruption allegations.
Cde Dinha instead said “unknown persons” went to his offices on Monday morning and left an envelope with a security guard saying that it was to be delivered to him.
Cde Dinha said the guard gave the letter to a Muchenjeri in the morning who forwarded it to his personal assistant.
“In the envelope was an AK 47 bullet and a condolence card which had a message written with a stencil. The note is the very same published by the opposition Daily News but I don’t know where they got it from,” he said.
The note reportedly read: “Game over Dinha, resign now or else we get you. Dinha, your time is up and you messed with the wrong guys. Manyika, Gezi and Masawi are waiting for you.”
Cde Dinha said he was “dismayed” by the Daily News story which suggested that there was bad blood between himself and VP Mphoko and in the process insinuating that the Vice-President could be involved in the threats.
“VP Mphoko is my principal and I serve him with diligence,” said Cde Dinha who revealed that his father, “a celebrated national hero,” worked closely with former Zipra combatants and Zapu officials that included VP Mphoko, the late VP Landa John Nkomo and Zanu-PF secretary for information and publicity Cde Simon Khaya Moyo.
Cde Dihna said VP Mphoko and other liberation war stalwarts belonged to a breed of revolutionaries who fought so that the younger generation occupied positions of power, “and I’m one of those beneficiaries.”
“I respect the VP and would fight those who want to ridicule him in any way. I’m not a member of a faction. I believe that factionalism is anti-revolutionary. Any factional activity is counter-productive and an antithesis to the revolutionary trajectory.”
The provincial affairs minister said a report had been made to the police at Bindura Central Police Station and police were calling on members of the public with information leading to the arrest of the culprits to assist.
“I’m not quitting my job. The First Lady is a mother figure to me and my family. She is a kind, principled and loving person. I’ll continue executing my duties and I’m prepared to defend Amai and the President,” he said.
Cde Dinha, who said he was still shaken by the incident, said he did not know of any suspects, pointing out that in politics, there were some people who were bound to be offended by the way he carried out his duties.
“The list of suspects is as open as the sea,” he emphasised.
Cde Khaya Moyo yesterday said the party would wait for a report after the police complete their investigations.
“I can’t say much now because we’re reading about that matter from the media. We’ll wait for a report from the police when they conduct their investigations,” he said.
Online Reporter