Political Reporter
Party factionalism in Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has seen rival camps creating militant groups with a mandate to attack rivals, Harare Post has learnt.
Matebeleland is the most affected region with two factions having already created militia groups that are now wreaking havoc in Bulawayo.
According to an impeccable source, Senator Hellen Zivira’s faction has formed a group calling itself Boko Haram while CCC Vice President, Professor Welshman Ncube and James Sithole have formed a rival group called Matebeleland Caucus (MC) group.
The source revealed that on 14 October 2022, Zivira’s faction convened a meeting at the residence of Matson Hlalo. During that meeting, Boko Haram militant group was formed with the sole mandate of countering and disrupting activities of Sithole/Ncube faction and MC militants using any means necessary.
“On 14 October 2022, Hellen Zivira and group gathered at Matson Hlalo’s residents to plan ways on how to counter and disrupt activities of Sithole/Ncube faction. A resolution to form a militant group named Boko Haram which will be responsible for countering and disrupting activities of the Ncube/Sithole faction and MC militants using any means necessary was passed.
“It was also brought to our attention that Ncube/Sithole faction has an active militant group called Matebeleland Caucus (MC) which was already operating and also required to be neutralised,” said the source.
According to the source, former Deputy Prime Minister Dr Thokozani Khupe has also been recruited by the Ncube/Sithole faction. The faction is also alleged to be working with Mtwakazi Republic Party (MRP) to castigate Nelson Chamisa using Social Media.
“Dr Thokozani Khupe is part of the big wigs that have been roped in by the Ncube/Sithole faction. They are also working with Mtwakazi Republic Party to castigate Chamisa whom they say is in favour of the young but inexperienced politicians,” the source added.
Ncube/Sithole faction has also recruited Lovemore Moyo, leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). It is further alleged that once the recruitment is successful, the faction will influence Chamisa to have an alliance with UDA. This will ensure that the Ncube/Sithole faction will be stronger and well placed within the Matebeleland region ahead of the 2023 elections.
Other senior members in the Ncube/Sithole faction include Member of Parliament (MP) for Lobengula West Gift Banda, Pelandaba-Mpopoma MP Charles Moyo and Gorden Moyo.
The Boko Haram militia group has already started its operations. Two weeks ago, Gumede Minehle (Ncube/Sithole faction) was rudely interrupted by Chipo Ncube Mapuranga, a member of the Boko Haram group. His presentation notes were forcefully taken away from him before they were trashed by Mapuranga in full view of the gathering.
Meanwhile, political commentator, Patrick Manyemwe has attributed the formation of militant groups to desperate moves by senior members to cling onto power as their future is uncertain due to Chamisa’s denial to create party structures. He also said this uncertainty had also created an environment where even young political predators feel the need to strategically place themselves ahead of Chamisa’s candidate nominations in December.
