Masvingo Provincial administrator Mr Peter Chigaba told The Herald that newly elected Masvingo Mayor Councillor Collins Maboke was ordered to step down by MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa or be recalled over allegations of defying a party directive.
Chamisa had ordered all seven MDC Alliance councillors to vote for Councillor Kurauone to the position of mayor and Councillor Selina Maridza, for the deputy mayor position. Maridza lost to Ward 6 Councilor, Wellington Mahwende of Zanu-PF. Chamisa then called all Councillors to Harare for a crisis meeting where he read the riot act to Maboke.
Chamisa reportedly said Maboke was going to be replaced by Ward 5 councillor, Daniel Mberikunashe who is also his relative. Masvingo Provincil administrator Chigaba was also ordered to step down over allegations of being the hand behind the defiance of a party directive. Said Chigaba:
I was told to step down as the provincial administrator by the owner of the party, Mr Chamisa. He told me in my face without any charges preferred against me and Councillor Maboke also facing the same fate and Mr Chamisa said Councillor Mberikunashe should replace him as the mayor. As it is I am no longer the administrator for the province but members are not happy with such kind of decisions.
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