Former Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) officer Pearson Mbalekwa has been expelled from ZANU-PF after internal disagreements over controversial plans to amend the Constitution. Mbalekwa is President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s nephew.
Nehanda Radio reported sources as saying Mbalekwa had repeatedly refused to back constitutional changes being pushed by his uncle’s allies in the party.
The disciplinary process was allegedly led by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also ZANU-PF’s Secretary for Legal Affairs.
A ZANU-PF Provincial Disciplinary Committee, appointed by senior officials July Moyo and Owen Ncube, recommended Mbalekwa’s expulsion.
In a disciplinary letter seen by Nehanda Radio, the committee accused Mbalekwa of refusing to follow the province’s “ethos, principles, conduct and aspirations”.
Party sources believe the charges stem from his refusal to support or chant slogans for the “2030 VaMnangagwa vanenge vachitonga” campaign. The campaign calls for President Mnangagwa to stay in power beyond the current constitutional term limits.
The disciplinary hearing was chaired by Lewis Matutu. Other members were Maud Ngwenya, Cornelius Mupereri, Mazivazvose and Maxwell Mataranyika.
Sources say the decision to expel him has already been approved by the ZANU-PF Politburo, the party’s top decision-making body.
Mbalekwa, once seen as one of Mnangagwa’s trusted security allies, is said to have privately distanced himself from what he called “ridiculous things” happening in the party.
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