Three Gweru City councillors, including the deputy mayor, have been recalled from council by MDC T, in a fresh round of recalls by the opposition party.
The three are Ward 5 councillor and deputy mayor Cleopas Shiri, Ward 4`s Martin Chivhoko and Ward 18`s John Manyundwa.
In a letter addressed to the Gweru City Town Clerk, from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works July Moyo advises the local authority of the expulsion of the three councillors from the MDC T.
“I wish to inform you that I am in receipt of a letter from the Movement for Democratic Change (T), stating that the following councillors have been expelled from the Party:-
- Cllr Martin Chivhoko Ward 4
- Cllr Cleopus Shiri Ward 5
- Cllr John M Manyundwa Ward 8.
In terms of Section 278 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, as read with Section (1) k, the above-mentioned wards are now vacant,” reads part of the letter.
The recalled councillors have since been served with recall notices by the Gweru Town Clerk.
Recalled Ward 4 councillor Martin Chivhoko confirmed that he had been recalled from the council.
“It is with a sad heart that I announce my recall this afternoon from council by one Douglas Mwonzora who purports to be my party president. Unfortunately, I don`t belong to MDC T, I belong to Tripple C led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
Chivhoko also pledged to continue assisting residents in Ward 4 despite no longer serving in the city council.
“What I want to assure the residents of Ward 4 is that I will be their representative whether I am at council or I am not at council, I will represent my fellow residents. Whatever their challenges I will still report them to council whether it’s refuse collection or sewer blockages, water bursts, or there is no water, I will make sure I will knock at the door of council to make sure that our residents continue to get the services that they so deserve to get.”
He said that he was not fazed by the development and was confident of bouncing back in the local authority.
The MDC T has not yet provided reasons for the recalls, but indications are that the three have declared allegiance to the Citizen Coalition for Change.