The ruling Zanu-PF party’s Politburo is expected to meet Thursday to deal with worsening factional fights that have seen about four chairpersons loyal to a group allegedly aligned to Vice President Joyce Mujuru being ousted ahead of the party’s crucial elective congress next month.
Those removed are Masvingo chairman, Retired Brigadier General Callisto Gwanetsa, Mashonaland West’s, Themba Mliswa, Midlands chair, Jason Machaya, and Harare’s Amos Midzi.
Those currently under siege include Andrew Langa of Matabeleland South and Mashonaland East’s Ray Kaukonde.
There was a demonstration in the Mashonaland East provincial capital of Marondera Monday with Zanu-PF supporters, thought to have been bussed in from other provinces, calling for Kaukonde’s ouster.
Kaukonde was not available for comment as his mobile phone went unanswered.
Reports from Mashonaland West province say the Women’s League provincial chairperson, Constance Shamu, was voted out following a vote of no confidence motion.
Mashonaland West Women's League political commissar Chinjai Kambuzuma said 22 members of the 38 member executive signed a petition seeking Shamu’s ouster.
Senior party members allegedly loyal to the Mrs. Mujuru camp are also being accused of corruption in the state media and of plotting to oust President Robert Mugabe from office.
Zanu-PF youth chairperson for Harare, Godfrey Gomwe, who was on first Lady Grace Mugabe’s nationwide tour last month, told VOA Studio 7 those who are being relieved of their duties were plotting a coup against the president with backing from western countries.
But Zanu-PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo said the removal of chairpersons is illegal.