Khaya Moyo behind Mphoko expulsion?

A senior source at the Zimbabwean embassy told this newspaper that in addition to Mphoko’s alleged links with the secessionist group, Mthwakazi Liberation Front, the ambassador also had a rift with other South African-based members of Zanu (PF), who accused him of tribalism.

But the straw that broke the camel’s back was the ambassador’s alleged clash with Mugabe over Zanu (PF) chairman, Simon Khaya Moyo, a Mugabe favourite. The rift began late last year, when Mphoko questioned Mugabe on why he favoured Khaya Moyo for the vacant post of second Vice President. The post, left vacant by the death of Joseph Msika on August 4, 2009, is still unfilled largely due to the ongoing rift between former Zapu members and Zanu (PF). “Mphoko says that, as the most senior member of the old Zapu sill remaining in Zanu (PF) and therefore, he should be the next second Vice President,” said the source.

“He said Khaya Moyo was nothing in Zapu, other than being a driver and messenger who always carried a bag for Nkomo and that incensed Mugabe, who really loves Khaya Moyo, especially for his success in bringing the party together just before the elections last year.”

After the clash, Khaya is then said to have insisted that Mphoko be recalled. “The letter was written in December, but was only re-enforced in recent weeks, after the ambassador flatly refused to apologise to Khaya Moyo and following the Central Intelligence Organisation’s report linking Mphoko with the MLF,” revealed the source.

Mphoko, also the country’s former ambassador to Russia, is said to be contemplating retirement and relocation to Mozambique, where he reportedly has some properties. He refused to give his side of the story to The Zimbabwean.