Charles Nyachowe, one of the special interest councillors appointed to join the Harare City Council by Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo, was ejected from the council chambers on Wednesday after he refused to withdraw alleged threats he made last week to mayor Muchadeyi Masunda.
Because of the stand-off, councillors are now calling for the ouster of all special interest councillors, accusing them of not working for the interests of Harare.
Nyachowe is said to have threatened the mayor with unspecified action when he allegedly said “ be warned” during a heated debate at a full council meeting.
He allegedly refused to withdraw the statement and was shown the door. On Wednesday, the mayor ejected him again.
Councillors urged the mayor to take a firm position. “What he did was a serious show of disrespect. Even at Cabinet level ministers do not show that kind of disrespect and get away with it,” said councillor Justin Musevenzi.
Nyachowe was unapologetic when Masunda gave him the opportunity to take back his statement. “I think when it happened I only had two options, to withdraw and stay or to go out. It’s a closed matter and why are we talking about it? It’s a new meeting and why am I subjected to this?” he said.
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Angry councillors threatened to stop the business of the day if Nyachowe did not leave the chamber and remained adamant.
“There is no need to continue unless he goes,” said the councillors.
Other interested councillors tried to intervene, but elected councillors stood firm until Masunda intervened and ordered him to leave.