ZANU PF Harare provincial youth chairman Godwin Gomwe is once again in trouble after labelling central intelligence officers in the ruling party structures “gamatox”.
BY OUR STAFF
He accused them of influencing the suspension of five Harare Central Zone 1 district officials on allegations of factionalism. The combative Gomwe is alleged to have called intelligence officers identified as Abraham Pfumayi Samushonga, Angeline Matambanadzo and one Nyasulu as “gamatox”, a term associated with dethroned former Vice-President Joice Mujuru.
In a police statement filed at Harare Central Criminal Investigations Department (Law and Order) last week, Samushonga admitted that he was an intelligence officer but felt offended by Gomwe’s attack.
“I am a male adult aged 37 years. I reside at the above address and I am currently employed by the President’s Office as a security officer. I am stationed at Harare Central. I am currently the Zanu PF Harare Central 1 district chairperson,” Samushonga said.
He said Gomwe phoned him accusing him of influencing the suspension of five district executives.
“The CIO operatives that I referred to as gamatox were yourself Samushonga, Nyasulu and Angie Matambanadzo,” he quoted Gomwe as saying on the phone.
The revelations are contained in several documents that The Standard has in its possession which show the factional tensions in the ruling party.
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The wrangle, according to the documents, started when the Zone1 executive passed a vote of no confidence in Gift Chiome, Concilia Zvavamwe, Cherai Jerera, Lydia Shaibu Chuma and Sure Uledi for, among other things, “causing despondency, factionalism and confusion in the district”.
Gomwe, who could not be reached for comment yesterday, was said to have been irked by the suspension of his church-mate Jerera, thereby sparking the confrontation with Samushonga.
The Harare Central 1 district youths have now written to Gomwe and the acting provincial chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa protesting against the fallout over the suspensions.
“The comrades stated above were given a vote of no confidence by more than two thirds of the majority of a district executive committee which formed a quorum. If they are to be exempted or exonerated, we expect proper party procedures to be followed,” they wrote.
“As a district executive, we are forced not to regard personal or church relationships in this matter,” they added.
The letter was signed by Shingai Chitaka (chairman), Gift Mhembere (vice-chairman), Love- more Mapfumo (secretary for administration), Gift Kachembere (secretary for finance), Simbarashe Manyame (secretary for security) and Tichaona Muchengeti (acting secretary for commissariat).
The youths further stated: “We would like to state that Samushonga has been instrumental in the progression of the Harare Central One district. Before he came, the structures were in shambles and as a party we must be thankful for his contribution.”
Masimirembwa yesterday could neither deny nor confirm the existence of the letter of complaint against Gomwe’s conduct.
“If there is anything of that nature, I will refer the matter to the vice-chairman of the province who heads the disciplinary committee for a hearing,” Masimirembwa said.
Samushonga, who could not be reached for comment, filed a police report of insult against Gomwe for the “threatening call” and “insults”.
