Zanu PF blocks former minister’s rallies

via Zanu PF blocks former minister’s rallies – New Zimbabwe 04/08/2015

ZANU PF’s Gutu South MP, Paul Chimedza, has effectively been banned from holding public meetings in his constituency as recriminations continue in the ruling party over an alleged plot to oust President Robert Mugabe.

Chimedza was one of the casualties of a brutal purge which saw former vice president Joice Mujuru being expelled from Zanu PF.

Also shabbily bundled through the exit door were several senior party officials and government ministers thought to have taken a shine to the former VP’s alleged conspiracy.

Chimedza, a medical doctor, also lost his government post as deputy health minister in addition to being slapped with a five-year suspension from the ruling party.

Gutu South villagers claimed that hooligans allegedly sent by some party bigwigs from Masvingo recently tried to disrupt a constituency meeting addressed by the MP.

“They came and caused chaos; they made it clear they had been sent to disrupt the meeting because the MP is a Gamatox who is not allowed to address a public gathering,” said a man who asked that he be identified only as Madziva.

“We know that they don’t like our MP because he is the only one who has done something tangible for us since 1980. Now they want to disrupt all that he is doing for us.”

Since being elected MP in 2013, Chimedza is credited with initiating a number of developmental projects, including the electrification of Ward 28 and teachers’ houses at Munjanganja School in Ward 40, among other projects.

But the construction of a solar powered clinic in Ward 28 has reportedly hit a snag due to perceived sabotage by political rivals.

Chimedza reluctantly confirmed that political pressure was affecting work with his constituents.

“People are discouraged from attending my meetings and difficult conditions have been set for me to hold a public meeting and I have to apply with the provincial chairperson first,” he said.

“The pressure is taking its toll on me and several projects are on halt. If it continues this way, I will be left with no choice but to give up on the projects and concentrate on my private medical business.”

While Chimedza’s troubles stem from his perceived links to Mujuru, some think his main mistake was to snatch the Gutu South seat from current Provincial Affairs Minister Shuvai Mahofa who is said to still hold a grudge.

Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chair, Paradzai Chakona, said anybody suspended from the party needed to get permission to address supporters.

“He must first make arrangements with the leadership of the party,” said Chakona.

“Whatever you want to do must first be sanctioned by the local leadership. With what authority would you simply want to engage the people if you are suspended.

However, the party’s Bikita West MP Rtd Colonel Claudius Makova, who is also serving a suspension for alleged links to the Mujuru cabal, said the rigid conditions were unworkable.

“Such conditions are a clear indication that Zanu PF is in fear of the unknown. I really see no problem in leaving an individual to engage in developmental work for the betterment of fellow Zimbabweans,” said Makova.