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Govt ministers in Twitter wars

Politics
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe’s ministers took to micro blogging site Twitter to exchange harsh words with fellow netizens, as the social media platform turned into a war zone over the just ended Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces’ Day holidays.

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe’s ministers took to micro blogging site Twitter to exchange harsh words with fellow netizens, as the social media platform turned into a war zone over the just ended Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces’ Day holidays.

BY BLESSED MHLANGA

Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo
Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo
Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo
Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo

Topping the Twitter wars was Higher and Tertiary Education minister Jonathan Moyo, whose harsh exchanges with fellow Zanu PF MP, Justice Mayor Wadyajena turned factional.

Wadyadyena, who has publicly declared that Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa is his political godfather, was over the moon after Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander, General Constantino Chiwenga (pictured) spoke against factionalism in Zanu PF.

Chiwenga, in a thinly-veiled attack, appeared to warn Moyo against destroying Zanu PF from within and expect the military to watch from the sidelines.

The comments excited Wadyajena who tweeted: “Enter the General!! Another enemy is now shaking.

He then went further to tease Moyo, telling him that his team’s “striker” had lost the bite.

“I note your star striker has been anaemic of late, will your team survive? Life is a beautiful sport,” Wadyejena tweeted.

Moyo hit back telling Wadyajena that the Gokwe Nembudziya’s MP’s statement was pregnant with undertones supporting the Zanu PF Lacoste faction.

“For the avoidance of doubt don’t think for a moment I didn’t notice your subliminal Lacoste message!”

Moyo did not answer his phone from Tuesday and Wednesday when a comment was sought from him.

On the other hand, Information and Communication Technology minister Super Mandiwanzira was involved in an ugly spat with former Finance minister Tendai Biti over a vehicle purchase of $200 000 using a loan from the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz).

The two traded accusations, with Biti labelling Mandiwanzira a night school law student and disc jockey after the former Finance minister was accused of stealing $40 million from Potraz.

“Explain why, as Finance minister, you looted $40m from Potraz telecomms fund,” tweeted Mandiwanzira, before Biti shot back.

“As a night school law student, be wary of the laws of defamation. You are not immune to those. Just a warning.” Mandiwanzira has since defended the luxury vehicle purchase, saying it was approved by Cabinet. He also argued the car belonged to the CMED.

The ICT minister was reportedly attending a Cabinet meeting yesterday.