The Zanu PF Politburo has reportedly suspended party spokesman and secretary for information and publicity, Rugare Gumbo, and firebrand war veterans leader Jabulani Sibanda, according to the state-controlled Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.
The national broadcaster did not say why the Politburo suspended the two though indications are that they are linked to a faction allegedly led by Vice President Joice Mujuru fighting for the control of the party with a rival group said to be led by Justice Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The ZBC which quoted party chairman, Simon Khaya Moyo, who is said to have now assumed the post of party spokesman, told the press in Harare on Thursday night that the extra-ordinary Politburo suspended Gumbo for 5 years.
It also suspended Central Committee member, Enock Porusingazi, for the same period and upheld several votes of no confidence passed on provincial leaders including Andrew Langa of Matabeleland South Province, who has allegedly been removed from the party’s regional executive council.
The Politburo, according to the ZBC, confirmed the vote of no confidence on Masvingo chairperson, Callisto Gwanetsa, Midlands chairperson Jason Machaya and Amos Midzi of Harare province. Manicaland chairman, John Shumba Mvundura, was given a written reprimand.
The broadcaster further reported that Khaya Moyo announced that the party has upheld the votes of no confidence on Masvingo Women’s League chairperson, Shylet Uyoyo, and Youth League leaders Tongai Mangomana and Oliver Huruva.
Moyo is quoted as saying they are still investigating issues related to Harare Youth League chairman, Godwin Gomwe.
Indications are that the besieged party members are believed to be linked to the Mujuru faction that is eyeing the control of the party ahead of the Zanu PF congress next month.
VOA Studio 7 was unable to contact Khaya Moyo, Gumbo and Sibanda as their mobile phones were not being answered.
Mrs. Mujuru and Mnangagwa are believed to be harboring presidential ambitions though the two have over the years denied these allegations. President Robert Mugabe (90) has led Zimbabwe since independence from British rule in 1980.