The military clique in Zanu PF has been dealt a major blow after President Emmerson Mnangagwa fired Political Commissar Engelbert Rugeje, replacing him with war veterans leaders Victor Matemadanda and Douglas Mahiya.
Both Matemadanda and Mahiya were pivotal in pushing for Mnangagwa’s elevation when he was former President Robert Mugabe’s deputy and the move could be seen as payback time for standing by the former Lacoste faction leader.
Party spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo confirmed the development to 263Chat.
“We had a meeting today and the changes were made. Cde Matemadanda will be the party’s commissar with effect from today,” Khaya Moyo said.
The change in the ruling party saw Rugeje being thrown under the bus, leaving him an ordinary card carrying member until September this year.
Mahiya takes over from Omega Hungwe who was Rugeje’s deputy before today’s changes.
Matemadanda had a turbulent time within the party during the former president Robert Mugabe’s reign after he and War veterans leader Christopher Mutsvangwa were fired from the ruling party.
Meanwhile, former Minister of Finance and Economic Development Cde Patrick Chinamasa has been appointed the new Air Zimbabwe board chairman.
