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A faction of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has rejected the purported recall of Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart and four other opposition representatives, declaring the move unauthorised and legally unfounded.
In a statement released on Friday, interim national spokesperson Nqobizitha Mlilo said the letters notifying government and Parliament of the recalls did not reflect the party’s official position.
The correspondence, dated 7 October, was addressed to National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda, Senate President Mabel Chinomona and Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe.
The letters stated that Coltart, Bulawayo Central legislator Surrender Kapoikilu, Mbizo MP Corban Madzivanyika, Epworth North MP Togarepi Zivai Mhetu and Bulawayo Senator Ivumile Kucaca Phulu were no longer members of the CCC.
The authorities were subsequently asked to act in accordance with Section 129(1)(k) of the Constitution.
However, Mlilo said internal inquiries had established the identities of those responsible for the correspondence, accusing them of attempting to undermine the party and pressure elected representatives into demonstrating political loyalty.
The faction further warned that the actions could constitute contempt of court, adding that it had engaged legal practitioners to advise on a lasting resolution.
Mlilo assured the party’s elected representatives that their positions remained secure until the end of the current parliamentary term in 2030.
Mlilo has previously served as Tshabangu’s spokesperson following the split within the opposition party.
Coltart has also faced speculation over his political future before.
Last year, Tshabangu dismissed reports that his faction intended to recall the Bulawayo mayor, saying he had no plans to remove him.
