Chombo, who is also Minister of Local Government, is reported to be strategically positioning himself ahead of primary elections. But he professed ignorance about the alleged move to oust him from his constituency.
“I have nothing to do with the structures and those allegations are baseless because I was in China and I know nothing about it. When the time comes for me to leave office, I will do so, I have no problem with that,” Chombo said.
He referred further questions to Zanu (PF) National Political Commissar Webster Shamu, who could however not be reached for comment.
Zanu (PF) stalwarts from Chombo’s constituency said the divisions are set to further weaken the party. Party supporters have written several letters to the provincial leadership seeking intervention, but to date, there has been no response.
According to letters addressed to the Provincial Chairperson, John Mafa, the Chombo-led faction is reportedly imposing candidates in several branches and districts such as Vanad Mine, Tafara, Munyape, Mazvikadei and Mutorashanga.
Several branch chairpersons have been replaced, some of whom include Tecla Kwahla, Samson Akim, Tendai Kawara and one identified only as Chisora.
“Zanu (PF) is losing ground in Mutorashanga district because we now have few supporters. The names that have remained are for the Members of Parliament up to the councillors,” reads part of the letter. “Supporters are now identified as Matibiri’s and Chombo’s with those supporting the former being threatened with expulsion from the party.”
Former District Chairperson for Ward 15 in Mutorashanga, Patson Chindamba, said the pro-Chombo faction is on a crusade, intimidating and threatening those suspected of sympathising with Matibiri. He said he was recently abducted by members of the rival faction and interrogated about divisions in the party structures.
He claimed that those sympathising with Matibiri had been threatened with the seizure of their farms. “We want the politburo to intervene in this issue because it has the potential to pave the way for the opposition to gain ground in this constituency,” Chindamba said.
Matibiri refused to comment. “I have just buried my brother and this is not the right time to talk about politics. Speak to the electorate because I think they are better positioned to comment about that issue,” he said before hanging up.
Post published in: News