HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reportedly poised to take decisive action against individuals responsible for the “random” suspension of Zanu PF party members, following a recent politburo meeting. Sources within the party suggest that the President views these actions as detrimental to party unity and a violation of established procedures.
According to insiders who spoke to NewsDay on condition of anonymity, Mnangagwa believes that the recent expulsions were carried out unlawfully, with blatant disregard for due process. The President is said to be deeply concerned that the ongoing restructuring process within the party is fostering division, particularly as the provincial elections scheduled for next year draw closer.
Christopher Mutsvangwa, the Zanu PF national spokesperson, addressed a press conference last week to outline the key outcomes of the politburo meeting. He stated that President Mnangagwa had issued a stern warning regarding the issue of expulsions.
“President Emmerson Mnangagwa was very stern on expulsions of party members and believed that this could destroy the party and needs a united party,” Mutsvangwa said.
He emphasised Mnangagwa’s commitment to unity and peace within the party. “He does not tolerate clandestine suspensions and expulsions. Zanu PF is a revolutionary party rooted in the people, guided by the principle of leaving no one and no place behind,” Mutsvangwa added.
The President’s stance is that internal conflicts should be addressed constructively, rather than resorting to the expulsion of members. Mutsvangwa explained that, “Rather than removing members, the party opted for reprimands where necessary. This approach reflects the President’s leadership style — focused on healing divisions and strengthening the party from within.”
A specific case that raised significant concern within the politburo was the suspension of Shadreck Mashayamombe by the Harare provincial party leadership, headed by Godwills Masimirembwa. Mnangagwa swiftly reversed this decision and demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mashayamombe’s suspension.
A politburo member revealed to NewsDay that, “President Mnangagwa demanded investigations on who is behind the expulsions, some of which saw some procedures not being followed. Mnangagwa said he would crack the whip on those behind the expulsions.”
The President reportedly believes that Mashayamombe is a valuable asset to the party and that his suspension was the result of malicious rumour-mongering.
“Mnangagwa noted that Shadreck Mashayamombe added value to the party and was affected by rumour-mongering individuals in the party,” the source stated.
Sources within Zanu PF have indicated that Masimirembwa views Mashayamombe as a potential rival in the upcoming provincial elections.
According to the Zanu PF constitution, as a cell member, Mashayamombe should have faced any charges at the branch level. However, the provincial leadership bypassed this protocol and proceeded with his suspension.
Efforts to reach Masimirembwa for comment via his mobile phone were unsuccessful.
In addition to the Mashayamombe case, Mnangagwa also overturned the dismissals of two party members in Masvingo, further demonstrating his disapproval of the recent wave of expulsions.
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