Zanu PF editor fights demotion, suspension

Zanu PF editor fights demotion, suspension

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By Lebo Nkatazo

LOVEMORE Mataire, the editor of Zanu PF's official newspaper The Voice has dragged top Zanu PF officials to court challenging his demotion and suspension from his post.

Mataire was notified of his demotion and suspension last week over accusations that he swindled the paper's publishers Jongwe Printers of $6 million.

The labour court is expected to hear his case next Wednesday.

The dispute pits Mataire against Jongwe Printers' board members Nathan Shamuyarira, Ephraim Masawi and Chen Chimutengwende.

Mataire wants the decision to demote and suspend him as well as the withdrawal of his salary and benefits to be declared “null and void”.

Sources said the developments are culmination of a mini-war between Zanu PF's chief spokesman Shamuyarira and Didymus Mutasa, Zanu PF’s legal secretary and State Security Minister.

Early this year, Mutasa halted a criminal proceedings in the magistrates court where Mataire was facing charges of theft by conversion after he allegedly pocketed money from newspaper sells.

Shamuyarira had instigated Mataire's arrest.

Sources added that the Mataire issue had divided the Jongwe board with Masawi said to be against the action taken against the editor, known for his zealous defence of Zanu PF.

Sources say whatever the outcome of the court case, Mataire is on his way out of The Voice.
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