. . . issued with month long prohibition order for undermining ED Govt
Brighton Chiseva
MASVINGO – Two Zanu PF Masvingo Members of Parliament (MPs) were recently slapped with prohibition orders, barring them from attending any party meetings, amid escalating factional battles within the ruling party in the province.
The prohibition orders were handed to Chiredzi North MP Roy Bhila who is the Provincial Secretary for Finance and Gutu East MP Benjamin Ganyiwa, barring them from party programmes for 21 days.
Both Bhila and Ganyiwa are believed to be loyal to the Vice President Constantino Chiwenga faction which reportedly seeks to stop President Emmerson Mnangagwa from extending his rule beyond 2028.
Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson Pepukai Chiwewe confirmed the development, saying such orders are issued when one is accused of violating the party’s constitution, where the accused would subsequently appear before a disciplinary hearing to defend themselves.
He said the two MPs’ issues had nothing to do with the 2030 slogan or alleged factional wars but rather an indiscipline case per individual.
“I can confirm, prohibition orders were given to Chiredzi North and Gutu East MPs. The orders are not expulsion letters but just an order to compel the accused to stop participating in party programmes until they appear before a disciplinary hearing where they would defend themselves,” Chiwewe said.
Bhila was accused of violating the party constitution and is facing three counts—he is set to appear before the disciplinary committee.
“The Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Disciplinary Committee met on 12 December 2024 and resolved to issue you with a Prohibition Order, in terms of Article 36, Section 528, of the ZANU PF Party Constitution,” read part of the order.
Bhila is facing three counts, the first being of uttering statements that could bring or have potential to bring or has a consequence of bringing the name of the party and/or its leadership into disrepute.
“In your address at an open discussion hard talk meeting on service delivery and council operations of Chiredzi Town Council where you uttered that Chiredzi Town Council should revert back to its original expansion zone “kunjanji kuma sewerage kwamakapa vanhu minda yenzimbe kusina mvura.. endai munotora ikoko and leave ward 29 alone!” This behavior as a Member of Parliament is uncalled for. You should be seen embracing development but you use destructive language inciting the public against government programmes,” reads the charge.
“You intentionally insulted and threatened to destroy Mrs Mabhiza during a public meeting and her husband calling him a ‘big fool’ and “zibenzi chairo”. The party expects highest level of discipline from its members and insulting members at party meetings is uncalled for. Zanu PF embraces solidifying families of its members so the language you used on a fellow member has a negative impact to the image of the party. The language destroys families and end up discouraging members to attend party meetings,” reads the second charge.
On charge three, he was accused of insulting and denigrating another member where he and his team attacked fellow party members.
“You deliberately and intentionally sent your team to attack Cde Timothy Fozokai and damaged him. This behavior is not and will never be condoned by the party Zanu PF. You did this at a ward rally at Fever Shame in Ward 17 Chiredzi North and the case was reported to the DIO simply because the complainant respected the party, he did not report to the police but you acted as if nothing happened. As the report reached this office we were left with no option other than coming out with this charge.
“On 30 May 2024 your team went on to attack Cde W. Foromera, Ward 3 youth member at Judea Manjirenji turn off and reasonably caused damages to him.
“Therefore the prohibition order means that you shall cease acting in any or represent or hold office within the party, until the provincial capacity or Disciplinary Committee has made a determination,” read the order.
All your actions are contrary to the dictates of the Party Constitution as stated in Article 3 Section 19 (1-7),” reads part of the prohibition order.
Asked for comment Bhila acknowledged receipt of the prohibition order, saying he would follow what the party decides and will remain a loyal party member, supporting Mnangagwa and his 2030 agenda.
“I follow what the party decides, if it says go then I will go. I will remain resolute and loyal to the party, I will continue supporting the Party and the President and push for the 2030 agenda,” said Bhila.
Masvingo Province recently resolved to punish anyone who is against the ‘2030 vanenge vachipo’ slogan and recently one Zanu PF councilor Brighton Mushekwa from Bikita was verbally suspended for refusing to chant the slogan.
