SPEAKER EXPELS 15 MPS DESPITE CHAMISA’S WARNING

In a surprising move, the Speaker of Zimbabwe’s Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, has expelled 15 Members of Parliament (MPs), even though Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), had already informed him about their legitimate status.

The trouble started when Songezo Tshabangu wrote to the Speaker on October 3. Tshabangu claimed that he was the interim Secretary-General of the CCC. In his letter, he asked for several MPs and councillors to be recalled, saying they were no longer part of the CCC. This action, if accepted, would mean the MPs would lose their seats since the constitution says an MP must leave their post if they are no longer part of the party that got them elected.

But the problem is that Tshabangu, who was once with other opposition groups like MDC-T and PDP, is not even known to be a CCC member. He was never in an official position in the CCC. Chamisa, who leads the CCC, responded quickly to this. He wrote to the Speaker and made it clear that Tshabangu’s claim was false. Chamisa also pointed out that Tshabangu was not a member of the CCC at all.

In his letter, Chamisa told the Speaker: “Songezo Tshabangu is not a member of CCC and as such cannot provide, avail, or adduce evidence of such membership as his name does not appear on any of CCC street or village registers of any district, in any province, as administered by the CCC Bureau of Organising.”

Chamisa also explained that the CCC does not have a position called Secretary-General or interim Secretary-General, as Tshabangu claimed. He strongly said that no MPs elected under CCC had been expelled or recalled from their seats in the National Assembly, the Senate, or in any council.

Chamisa also raised a very serious point. He said that Tshabangu’s actions were illegal. Chamisa wrote in his letter, “Hon Speaker, the conduct of Mr Tshabangu is in fact a wanton violation of our laws and clear act of criminality. As such, criminal charges have been filed against him.”

Even though Chamisa had made these points and said legal action was being taken against Tshabangu, the Speaker still decided to expel the 15 MPs. This decision has shocked many and has added more tension to the political situation.

There are now big questions about what happens next. First, people are asking whether the Speaker’s decision to expel the MPs is right, especially after Chamisa provided clear evidence that Tshabangu’s claims were false. Second, the political stability of Zimbabwe may be affected by these expulsions. Many are worried about how Parliament will function and what this could mean for the country’s politics.

In conclusion, this situation shows how uncertain Zimbabwe’s political future might be. Tshabangu’s actions and the Speaker’s decision have made things more complicated and highlighted deeper issues in the country’s politics. It remains to be seen how this will affect the political scene and if things will get more challenging for Zimbabwe’s leaders. All eyes will be on how this unfolds and whether justice will be served.