MDC youths split over TV set

According to a disciplinary committee judgment, leaked to Chronicle, dated 14 December, Mr Lunga stood accused of stealing a 21 inch television set.
The disciplinary committee, chaired by Mr Paul Malaba, observed that Mr Lunga “took the 21 inch TV set donated to the provincial youth assembly without the authority of the party— which is a criminal misconduct as per (our) the party’s code of conduct”.

However, on 14 January, the committee deliberated that he returns the TV set on or before 20 January, a move which did not go down well with some youths who felt the party was being lenient with Lunga.
The disciplinary committee also said: “Failure to do that (return the television set) will lead to this committee invoking stiffer penalties.
“He is not a competent leader, but it is sad that the party elders do not notice that and him stealing that TV set exposed his weaknesses.

“We were disappointed that nothing was done,” said a youth executive member who preferred anonymity.
He said Mr Lunga should have been suspended for the offence.
“We proposed a vote of no confidence against him, but our motion was unceremoniously blocked,” said the executive member.

He said Mr Lunga’s actions deserved a stiffer penalty.
“We can no longer trust him any longer, as he cannot be entrusted with little things like a television set,” said the executive member.
Another executive member said the youths felt that his offence would lead to his dismissal.

“Of course we are one party, but there are divisions between us. Lunga should have been dismissed,” he said. 
Contacted for comment Mr Lunga told Chronicle that he knew nothing about the issue concerning the television set.

“Those are lies my brother,” said Lunga before hanging up his mobile phone.
Part of the judgment reads: “After deliberations, your behaviour and that you were the first offender, the disciplinary committee decided to warn you never to do such a thing again.”

Mr Lunga was also ordered by the committee never to receive donated items in cash as an individual and not to involve himself in dishonourable conduct.
The provincial party spokesperson, Mr Edwin Ndlovu, indicated that there was friction between the youths over the judgment, but said: “I cannot comment further on the judgment.”