PHILLIP Chiyangwa’s bid to run for MP in Chinhoyi suffered a major reversal this week after the Zanu PF politburo and central committee nullified his election as the party’s vice chairman in Mashonaland West.
The property tycoon beat Reuben Marumahoko on March 16 in an internal Zanu PF vote, and many thought that marked the end of his rehabilitation after his expulsion in 2006.
Zanu PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo said: “There were reports recently that Comrade Chiyangwa was elected as the vice chairman for Mashonaland West province.
“The politburo on Wednesday reviewed that case and nullified the election. The decision was endorsed by the Central Committee on Friday.
“Comrade Chiyangwa will remain as an ordinary member of the party until further notice.”
Zanu PF expelled Chiyangwa on March 20, 2006, exactly two years after he was charged with espionage, although he was acquitted by a High Court judge in 2005.
The Zanu PF constitution says a member cannot be re-admitted into the party until after five years have lapsed since their expulsion.
Chiyangwa’s expired last year and he was re-admitted into the party last November as an ordinary member, but it appears Zanu PF is determined to extend his pain by blocking him from holding office.
After his purported election, Chiyangwa had set his eyes on the Chinhoyi parliamentary seat, but those plans now appear in jeopardy.