Former war veterans leader Jabulani Sibanda will spend this weekend behind bars following his arrest by police late Friday.
According to the state-controlled Herald newspaper, Sibanda, who was deposed before the recent war veterans congress after being accused of siding with Vice President Joice Mujuru allegedly leading a Zanu PF faction, was picked up at his Nyamandlovu farm, Matabeleland North province.
The Herald quotes police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charamba as saying, “I can confirm he was arrested although I don’t have much information at this moment.”
Details of his arrest are sketchy but the newspaper also quotes Sibanda’s wife, Sifiso, saying her husband called her soon after his arrest to notify her about the arrest. However, she is quoted as saying he didn’t know why he was arrested.
Studio 7 could not get hold of Sibanda's wife as her mobile number was not reachable. He faces charges of underming the authority of the president.
Two rival factions allegedly led by Mrs. Mujuru and Justice Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa are said to be fighting for the control of the party ahead of its congress next week.