The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) led by Morgan Tsvangirai has expelled its lawmaker, Matson Hlalo, accusing him of dragging the name of the party in the mud, disrespecting its leadership and fomenting factionalism.
Officials say Senator Hlalo has caused a lot of conflict in the party by litigating against its leadership and refusing to withdraw his cases from the courts.
Hlalo’s ouster comes amid lingering intra-party tensions in Bulawayo between his followers and a faction allegedly aligned to party Vice President Thokozani Khupe.
The two factions have fought running battles before. Hlalo was defiant on Friday, telling Studio 7 he remains a member of the party.
“Thokozani Khupe is the one causing all the commotion in the party,” Hlalo charged.
“These people are bringing their friends and relatives and give them positions in the party. But we are saying no, we can’t have that.”
Khupe was not available for comment.
Party spokesman for Bulawayo province, Felix Magalela Mafa, said Hlalo has no one but himself to blame because he refused to attend his disciplinary hearing.