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THE Zimbabwe Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Association (ZEPPDRA) chairman Cde VictorPanganai Kuretu has warned of a plot by some members of the association who wantto overthrow his leadership unconstitutionally.Cde Kuretu said a group claiming to represent ZEPPDRA has emerged and was going around issuing misleading statements about the association and organising meetings outside the knowledge of his executive.
“We’re concerned about a group of people who are not elected, people who just handpicked themselves. Some of them have inconsistent records but just want to mobilise people, telling them lies and promising to give them money,” Cde Kuretu said in an interview yesterday.
“We urge our members to ignore such people. Meetings will be done after the national executive has given direction. That is our position.”
Cde Kuretu said ZEPPDRA, an affiliate of Zanu-PF, has filed a report with the police seeking the arrest of the said rebels.
He said: “A number of them will face legal prosecution for fraud. We have already opened dockets against them.”
Cde Kuretu said the ZEPPDRA national executive was operating normally. He said a proposed meeting by the said group tomorrow in Manicaland was illegal.
He could not disclose the names of the said group members and how many they were but indications are that some members want to overthrow Cde Kuretu and his executive.
Sources within the organisation said the said “rebel” members were already on the ground mobilising people and canvassing for support ahead of the organisation’s elective congress sometime this year.
ZEPDRA has been pushing for recognition and compensation of its members and has since submitted documents to government seeking financial support for widows, gratuity and school fees for their children.
Online Reporter