‘Mutasa wants to topple Mujuru’

Dumisani Sibanda

Bulawayo Bureau

Zimbabwe People First is already reeling from factionalism with Mr Didymus Mutasa alleged to want substantive leadership of the party ahead of interim leader Dr Joice Mujuru.

Mr Mutasa is said to be leading a group called Chirenje which is fighting interim party leader Dr Joice Mujuru’s move to incorporate defectors from other opposition movements in positions of authority, which is his major bone of contention.

Mr Mutasa — fired from Zanu-PF alongside Dr Mujuru for trying to overthrow President Mugabe — is reportedly insisting that ZPF could not have former MDC formations members holding leadership positions.

Contacted for comment yesterday, Mr Mutasa interjected before this reporter finished asking the question: “It’s nonsense . . . you know yourself its nonsense.”

Asked if he was aware of the allegations, Mr Mutasa said: “I am aware of it and it’s nonsense and I don’t want to talk to you about it at all.”

Sources in the party said Dr Mujuru had tasked interim women’s chairperson Mrs Margaret Dongo and mobilisation head Mr Dzikamai Mavhaire to hold meetings to resolve the emerging parallel structures.

Mrs Dongo was tasked to cover Bulawayo, Matabeleland, Masvingo and Midlands; while Mr Mavhaire would visit Harare, Mashonaland and Manicaland.

“The programme was supposed to run from 18 to 22 May but was apparently cancelled at the last minute as in Bulawayo Cde Dongo was supposed to have a meeting on Wednesday at a hall in the city centre but she did not turn up and she was then supposed to go to Matabeleland North on Thursday, Matabeleland South on Friday, Masvingo today (Saturday) and Midlands tomorrow (Sunday),” said the source.”