MOVES to discipline Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe for her alleged role in the violence that rocked MDC-T last year are likely to face legal hurdles as the measures must be approved by two thirds of the party’s decision-making body.

REPORT BY MOSES MATENGA STAFF REPORTER

According to Article 12 of the MDC-T constitution, all members of the party’s standing committee cannot face disciplinary action without the approval of two thirds majority of the national council.

Khupe was fingered in the violence that rocked the party ahead of its congress held in Bulawayo in April 2011.

A fortnight ago, Tsvangirai confirmed that all those found to have been behind the violence would be prosecuted.

But according to the MDC-T constitution,taking action against Khupe might not be easy.

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“Notwithstanding any provision in this constitution, no disciplinary proceedings against members of the national standing committee shall be commenced without the approval of a two thirds majority of the national council,” reads part of the MDC-T constitution..

“Once such a decision is made, the particular affected office bearer shall be automatically suspended pending the determination of the charges against him, by an independent tribunal duly appointed by the national council, comprising of three registered legal practitioners one of whom shall be qualified to be a judge of the High Court of Zimbabwe.”

MDC-T insiders said Tsvangirai “got it wrong” by insinuating that Khupe would face disciplinary action over her alleged involvement in the violence.

The Makokoba MP and other party officials from Bulawayo, were reportedly fingered in a report by a team set up to investigate the violence led by prominent lawyer Trust Maanda.

Sources said contrary to Tsvangirai’s assertions, no action will be taken against those implicated in the violence.

“That violence issue is now water under the bridge,” the source said.

“The national council did not take any action on that and as far as many in the party are concerned, it is now a thing of the past.”

The MDC-T constitution only allows for an independent tribunal to “mete out any penalty to the affected official, including suspension and expulsion from the party”.

MDC-T organising secretary Nelson Chamisa yesterday said people were being sent on a “wild goose chase” regarding the matter as Khupe’s name was not even mentioned in the report.

“Her name was never and is never mentioned in the report. It’s a wild goose chase and a fabrication of bare falsehoods,” he said.

MDC-T’s Bulawayo province was rocked by factionalism after some sections of the party challenged the elevation of State Enterprises minister Gorden Moyo to the post of provincial chairman.