Opposition Zapu party is embroiled in factional fights with disgruntled members protesting at the weekend demanding the ouster of party leader Sibangilizwe Nkomo whom they accuse of illegally assuming the presidency.
Sibangilizwe is son to the late Zapu founder, Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo.
The weekend protest esulted in five members being suspended.
Party members accused party deputy spokesperson Brian Barack Ncube of fuelling the factional fights.
However, Ncube denied the allegations.
“That is not very true. I am very far from the issue. I would like to make it clear that I am in charge of Bulawayo province and this issue is coming from Matabeleland South province. The accusations are not true,” Ncube said.
“Protests took place after five members of the party were suspended for challenging the legitimacy of the party leadership."
Zapu spokesperson Mso Ndlovu rubbished the reports of infighting in the party.
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“It's just a few individuals who feel entitled to lead the party on the basis of long service and resource contributions in the past. To them, democratic processes are secondary to their unbridled ambitions."
Ndlovu confirmed the suspension of five members saying the matter was awaiting finalisation.
“They face disciplinary action. They all remain members of the party, but cannot participate in any party activities until the finalisation of the matter by the judicial arm of the party. At this stage, nobody has been expelled as we are exhausting all possible internal remedies,” Ndlovu said.
