ZANU PF Cracks Whip On MP Who Missed Mnangagwa Term Extension Vote Twice

A ZANU PF Member of Parliament has reportedly been suspended for “treachery” after twice skipping votes on constitutional amendments extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term.

Spare Sithole, the MP for Insiza South in Matabeleland South, was hauled before a provincial disciplinary committee chaired by Albert Nguluvhe, facing five charges.

Although both Nguluvhe and Sithole declined to comment, a source confirmed the development to ZimLive.

“Sithole was found guilty and suspended from the party for three years. The suspension must be ratified by the national disciplinary committee and politburo for it to take effect,” said the source.

Nguluvhe is an ally of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and a relative of his wife, Miniyothabo.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill sailed through the National Assembly after votes on 18 June and 30 June, both of which Sithole missed. On one of those dates, when Sithole reportedly said he was sick, ZANU PF’s disciplinary committee heard he was in his constituency making a donation.

Sithole owns a security company and has interests in gold mining.

The war veteran was not the only ZANU PF MP to miss a vote. Tatenda Mavetera, the MP for Chikomba West and ICT minister, reportedly apologised to Mnangagwa after missing the first vote, telling the ZANU PF leader she arrived minutes before voting and found the doors closed. She voted for the Bill on 30 June.

Sithole’s suspension could signal a wider crackdown targeting ZANU PF dissenters against the constitutional amendments, which are now law after Mnangagwa signed the Bill in July.

More: ZimLive

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