The MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora has suspended its first vice president, Dr Thokozani Khupe for “various” allegations the party did not state publicly.
Dr Khupe was effectively suspended alongside Deputy Secretary for Information and Publicity, Senator Khaliphani Phugeni.
The two have since been ordered not to set foot in the party buildings, offices or participate in activities until their issues are resolved.
Dr Khupe earlier announced she would address a press conference on Friday.
In an interview with CITE, MDC-T Secretary for Information and Publicity confirmed the suspension of Dr Khupe and Phugeni.
“They were suspended on January 12, 2022 as a result of a standing committee resolution. In fact the resolution to suspend Phugeni had been held in abeyance until then and now they are to appear before our disciplinary committee led by the Arbiter General to answer to the charges levelled against them,” he said.
The party spokesperson said the suspension of Khupe and Phugeni did not mean they would also be recalled from Parliament but would continue serving as public officials.
“Their suspension means they are not to partake in any party activity or set foot at any party office for any party activity until the finalisation of their matter by the Arbiter General and the subsequent relevant party organs who are going to receive the findings and recommendations of the Arbiter General,” Dube said.
“However, they remain Members of Parliament because allegations of anyone are not tantamount to anything other than being allegations. They remain public officials representing the party in Parliament that is what it is.”
Dube added that a letter dated January 12, 2022 was personally delivered to Dr Khupe and her legal team.
“The suspension was with immediate effect, pending investigations into the various allegations levelled against her. Investigations are being conducted by a team led by the party’s Arbiter General and the suspension is in line with the party constitution. This is a result of certain issues that arose. Once the said issues are investigated and fully resolved the party will communicate such,” said the MDC-T spokesperson.
