KADOMA Divisions among MDC-T councillors here have forced at least one of them to defect to the Job Sikhala-led MDC 99.
Councillor Bothwell Pasipamire parted ways with the MDC-T after allegedly holding several meetings with Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo resulting in his suspension from the MDC-T early this month.
In a letter dated February 10 and signed by MDC-T ward 3 secretary Vengai Botomani, Pasipamire is accused of being a Zanu PF agent and was barred from participating in any party activities.
. . . due to allegations of being a member of Zanu PF and your communications with Chombo without clearance from the party
. . . you are hereby suspended, read part of the letter. Pasipamire told NewsDay he was tired of being harassed by MDC-T youths at funerals and other gatherings over false allegations.
I have been heckled at funerals and at times attacked during party meetings by people bent on protecting a few corrupt councillors and officials and I just could not have that anymore, he said.
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In Press statement dated February 22, Pasipamire said: I become the first sitting councilor in Zimbabwe belonging to MDC99. I have a solid history in the struggle since the formation of the MDC in 1999. I have been a leader in the party youth wing for many years and have been a victim of (President Robert) Mugabes brutality.
Pasipamire is alleged to have held a series of meetings with Chombo culminating in the minister appointing a commission of inquiry to investigate corruption allegations the councillor had raised against his peers.
However, another councillor, Masarakufa Sibanda, who also reportedly attended the meetings, was spared.