Douglas Mwonzora, the leader of MDC-T, has expelled 13 party councillors from four local authorities and ordered their recalls, citing disloyalty to his leadership.
The affected councillors are from Norton, Kwekwe, Kadoma, and Mutare. Mwonzora accuses them of being sympathetic to opposition rival Nelson Chamisa of CCC.
The councilors were informed of their expulsion in a letter written by Local Government Minister July Moyo to the Town Clerks of the affected local authorities.
Mwonzora also issued recalls on three councilors in Mutare and four in Kadoma, including the town’s mayor.
The expelled councilors claim that they were not given a hearing on any alleged misdemeanours and believe they were targeted for their loyalty to Chamisa.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, one of the expelled councillors said the recalls came as a surprise to them as there was never any moment in which they were called for a hearing on any alleged misdemeanours.
The expelled councilors however believe they were targeted for their loyalty switch to CCC.
“It (recall) was a surprise to everyone. Obviously, on their side they sat down and found it appropriate to recall us.
“We support President Nelson Chamisa and we have not been ambiguous about it.
“In my case, I told him straight up that I am CCC. I have never attended even one MDC-T meeting,” said one of the axed councillors.
