Mutasa, the former Zanu (PF) secretary for administration, held the Headlands seat in Manicaland while Mliswa represented Hurungwe West in Mashonaland West, where he was provincial chair before being toppled by party rivals.
The two were linked to former Vice President Joice Mujuru and were accused by President Robert Mugabe of trying to topple him from power.
The expulsion from parliament came on the same day as Mutasa, together with Rugare Gumbo who also removed from his position as information secretary last year for also allegedly plotting to remove Mugabe, filed a court application to declare the ruling party’s December congress and party constitutional amendments null and void.
The previous day, the reported faction leader, Mujuru, circulated a scathing letter attacking Mugabe for calling a her a witch.
Since the onslaught on her by her party rivals led by Mugabe’s wife, Grace, and Emmerson Mnangagwa, now a VP, Mujuru had not spoken openly against Mugabe.
Observers say these recent development could signal either a breakaway from Mugabe or an internal rebellion that could weaken Zanu (PF).
On his 91st birthday, Mugabe said the Mujuru camp was planning to launch a new party that he said would be called Zanu (PF) First.
Mugabe is expected to decree by-elections in the Headlands and Hurungwe West constituencies.
Two other by-elections are set for March 27 in Chirumanzu-Zibagwe and Mt Darwin West to replace Mnangagwa and Mujuru whose seats fell vacant by virtue of them having been respectively elevated to VPs.
Post published in: News