Zanu-PF Probes Chaos That Halted Manicaland PEC Meeting in Mutare

ZANUPF HQ

Zanu-PF has launched an internal probe into disturbances that forced the abrupt suspension of a Manicaland Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting in Mutare, amid stern warnings from senior party officials that indiscipline during official party business will not be tolerated.

The closed-door meeting, held at the Rekayi Tangwena Government Complex, descended into disorder after rival factions confronted each other, trading accusations and disrupting proceedings to the point where the session was abandoned. Zanu-PF Secretary for Security, Lovemore Matuke, said the party leadership was awaiting a comprehensive report before determining appropriate action.

“Zanu-PF will not tolerate such behaviour during party business. We are waiting to receive a detailed report on what exactly transpired,” Matuke said.

Party Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, attributed the chaos to what he described as deliberate attempts by detractors to destabilise the party in Manicaland.

“Detractors have consistently regarded Manicaland as the soft underbelly of Zanu-PF in their futile efforts to infiltrate the party of the permanent Zimbabwe revolution,” Mutsvangwa said.

He added that party leadership would deal decisively with what he termed ill-disciplined elements acting out of step with party values and direction. Mutsvangwa further defended President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership, insisting that internal disturbances would not weaken the party’s cohesion or electoral standing.

“The writ of President Mnangagwa over the party remains firm, and his communion with the electorate is being demonstrated through continued by-election victories,” he said.

What Triggered the Disruption

The PEC meeting was chaired by Manicaland provincial chairperson Tawanda Mukodza. Tensions reportedly arose during discussions on a state-of-the-party report presented by provincial political commissar Albert Nyakuedzwa.

According to sources present, Buhera West legislator Tafadzwa Mugwadi was contributing to the debate when Mukodza instructed him to restrict his remarks strictly to the contents of the report. Mugwadi reportedly resisted, insisting on broader submissions. This prompted interjections from Mugwadi’s supporters, who challenged the chairperson’s directive. Mukodza maintained his authority, triggering counter-interjections from members aligned to his leadership.

The confrontation escalated into shouting, desk-banging, and personal exchanges, forcing Mukodza to adjourn the meeting and leave the boardroom. However, members opposed to Mukodza’s leadership reportedly refused to disperse and instead nominated provincial secretary for administration Sam Matema to chair proceedings in the chairperson’s absence.

As deliberations continued, another group allegedly stormed the boardroom, disrupted the session, and ordered members to vacate the premises, arguing that the meeting had been officially terminated.

The party leadership is now expected to assess submissions from Manicaland and determine disciplinary measures, as concerns grow over factional tensions within the province.

Zanu-PF Mutare chaos