Bhasikiti was the provincial minister for Masvingo.
The expulsion came a day after a contested Zanu (PF) national disciplinary committee ejected Didymus Mutasa, a former national security minister who also worked in Mugabe’s office until December last year.
This brings to 17 the number of cabinet and deputy ministers who have been fired since December and all of them are reported to be allies of Mujuru, who was also removed from her post as vice president.
Mujuru and the ministers were accused of incompetence, but observers say their removal is part of the fight to succeed Mugabe who is turning 91 tomorrow.
Misheck Sibanda, the chief secretary to the president and cabinet, announced Bhasikiti’s immediate expulsion in a statement.
“In terms of Section 108 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, His Excellency the President has terminated the employment of Honourable Kudakwashe Bhasikiti-Chuma as Minister of State for Masvingo Province, as his conduct had become inconsistent with his prescribed duties and functions,” he said.
Mugabe made known his dislike of Bhasikiti last year when he accused him of belonging to the Mujuru faction which he accused of trying to topple him.
The former provincial minister has been under pressure from Masvigo members of a faction led by Emmerson Mnangagwa, who replaced Mujuru as senior vice president last year, to leave the party.
His and Mutasa’s removal came barely after Mugabe’s wife, Grace, returned from a two month stay in the Far East.
Now nicknamed Mrs Stop It, Grace was active in the persecution of Mujuru and her allies.
Post published in: News