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MDC rebels fired
Tendai Kamhungira, Daily News
December 08, 2013

http://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2013/12/08/mdc-rebels-fired

Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC has fired Mutare mayor Tatenda Nhemarare and 10 councillors, while recalling Gweru mayor.

Party spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora confirmed the developments during a press briefing held at the party headquarters on Friday.

He said the party’s National Executive Council the highest decision-making body outside congress had resolved to fire councillors for defying party directives during mayoral elections and voting for Zanu-PF candidates.

“The council met today (Friday) following the Standing Committee meeting on Wednesday and the National Executive Committee meeting on Thursday and resolved to expel from the party the Mayor of Mutare, Tatenda Nhemarare,” Mwonzora said.

He said Nhemarare was fired for disobeying a standing order that one of the councillors was going to be elected as mayor.

“Nhemarare colluded with Zanu-PF councillors and we found this unacceptable,” Mwonzora said.

The party spokesperson said although Gweru incumbent mayor Hamutendi Kombayi had been recalled, he remained a councillor and member of the party.

Kombayi was found guilty of bribing MDC councillors in Gweru.

Mwonzora told journalists that the council had also resolved to expel Mutare councillors Pamela Mutasa, Richard Bhiza and Farai Mupfura for colluding with Zanu-PF and taking bribes during the mayoral elections.

In Redcliff, the party expelled Takura Chikwiri, Onward Majaji and Euphrasia Duro.

“The three were found guilty of taking bribes and this is unacceptable,” Mwonzora said.

In Victoria Falls, three councillors, Morris Nyathi, Robson Salimu and Rich Muguni were also expelled for undermining the party and conniving with Zanu-PF.

“The MDC found these councillors guilty of subverting the will of the electorate in general and blatantly disobeying the party’s directives. We felt that they could not honestly discharge the mandate they were given by the people,” Mwonzora said.

The party called upon regional bodies Sadc and African Union to revisit their position regarding the July polls, following the nullification of the parliamentary election in Kwekwe Central Constituency.

Mwonzora said, “The council welcomed the ruling by the High Court which was handed down on Monday, nullifying the parliamentary election result for Kwekwe Central.

By ruling that the Kwekwe Central parliamentary election was rigged, the Bulawayo High Court effectively confirmed that the national election was a huge farce, which was manipulated and corrupted by the military and intelligence to give Zanu-PF a stolen victory.

“The council calls upon Sadc and AU to revisit their positions on the July 31 elections, now that the court has confirmed that the elections were rigged and considering the response which has been very clear and sharp from the business community, investment vehicles and the economy in general.”

On Monday, High Court Judge Justice Andrew Mutema, sitting in an electoral court in Bulawayo, declared Kwekwe Central seat vacant and ordered the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to hold fresh elections within 10 days.

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