By Judith Sibanda
Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has expelled Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Somvelo Dhlamini on charges of violating party obligations and instructions.
Dhlamini is currently embroiled in a land scandal where he is accused of forging title deeds of a housing stand in 2013 before illegally selling the stand for US$ 20 000.
His trial is set to kick off on March 10, 2020.
A Victoria Falls man recently slapped Dhlamini with $300 000 lawsuit accusing him of engaging in an adulterous relationship with his wife.
“This letter serves to inform you and confirm the termination by the National Council of your membership of the party with immediate effect as per the resolution of the National Council of 23rd November 2018,” wrote MDC Secretary General Chalton Hwende.
“Your expulsion is in terms of Article 5.11(a) of the Movement for Democratic Change Constitution as read with the unanimous National Council resolution of 23rd of November 2018.”
Hwende added that Dhlamini was also being recalled from his position as Councillor and Mayor of the resort town.
“Consequently, the Party is immediately invoking the provisions of Section 278 (1) of the Zimbabwe Constitution as read with Section 129 of the same to have you removed from the position of Councillor of the Victoria Falls Municipality,” said Hwende.
In October 2018 the opposition party ordered Clr Dhlamini to step down from his position as Mayor and make way for Margaret Varley as per the party directive.
He was accused of defying an order by the party to stand as deputy mayor and leave the mayorship for the preferred candidate, Clr Varley of Ward 1.
However, the decision was later reversed.
