Minister accused of harassment

Emmerson Mnangagwa

Charita, who is reportedly a Mugabe loyalist, is now said to be living in fear after being accused of disloyalty by Matangaidze.

Minister Matangaidze allegedly threatened to get rid of him with immediate effect, using anti-riot police. This development, that has attracted criticism from fellow members of the party, comes at a time when factionalism is rearing it’s head within the former liberation movement and causing headaches.

The Shurugwi South legislator’s dirty political tricks came to light after scores of Zanu PF members informed this publication that Chatira has been dealt a blow by Matangaidze who has allegedly threatened to terminate his contract on the allegation that he belongs to ‘Ngwena’ as vice president Chatira is affectionately known.

Matangaidze who is fast losing support in Shurugwi South for allegedly dumping the constituency seems to have resorted to fighting imaginary enemies. Since losing political ground in the constituency since March this year he has been harassing Chatira.

“My relative, Chatira is having sleepless nights and living in fear for his life since being threatened by Matangaidze. His phone wasn’t functioning properly at the time so he put it on loud setting and so we all heard Matangaidze threaten babamunini Chatira accusing him of providing a venue for members of the Team Lacoste meeting. I advised him to report the matter to the police but he is unwilling to do so,” said the relative.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Anastancia Ndhlovu and Minister of Sports, Makhosini Hlongwane were among those who attended the controversial meeting condemned by Matangaidze as a ‘suspicious’ gathering.

It is the opinion of a renowned political analyst from Shurugwi that Matangaidze is incompetent. He believes that the threats emanating from the MP stem from the fact that he is losing his grip due to the political immaturity that he openly displays on political platforms. The unnamed political analyst added that Chatira may be suffering from trauma believed to have emanated from the political persecution by Matangaidze.

Pressed for comment by this reporter Philip Chatira would not be drawn out and begged to be excused by the media. He had the following to say: “I am a loyal Zanu PF worker. I serve all Zanu PF members. I feel that speaking to the media about this issue is not going to solve anything,” he said.

Responding to e-mailed questions Matangaidze said the following:“There is no substance at all for these accusations. I have not threatened Cde Chatira. Surely, you don’t expect me to respond to allegations made by unnamed sources, in all probability a non-existent third party. I have a good working relationship with Cde Chatira.”

Matangaidze then invited this journalist to join the fast sinking and faction riddled Zanu PF party.

“Everyone is welcome. If you are not a member of our party, I take this opportunity to invite you to join us. Please register at the office where I know Cde Chatira will gladly welcome you,” he said.