Tendai Ziso

Goromonzi West Legislator Dr Energy Mutodi has survived the axe as he managed to come out of the disciplinary hearing where many expected him to be shown the exit door by Zanu PF after he was sacked from the position of Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services and the ruling party on indiscipline charges.

Mutodi was suspended from government and the ruling party in May this year on acts of indiscipline and misconduct which he displayed mainly on his Twitter account where he insulted other government officials like the Foreign Affairs Minister Sibusiso Moyo and Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa. He was also accused of assaulting the Sarakunzehuona District Chairperson Patrick Rwafa at a rice distribution meeting in Domboshava.

A statement gleaned by this publication which is signed by the Chairperson of the Mashonaland East Disciplinary Committee, Engineer Michael Madanha reveals that Dr Mutodi has been given a second chance on condition that he desists from using his social media platforms on Party and Government Business, and that he Apologizes to party members who feel aggrieved by his actions.

“This letter serves to notify you that after the sitting of the Disciplinary Committee on the 29th of July 2020 at the party Provincial HQ, it was recommended that: (i) The prohibition order is hereby lifted without conditions, (ii) You desist from using social media platforms on party and Government business, (iii) Improve relations with the electorate and other Party members, (iv) Apologize to party members who feel aggrieved by your actions in the spirit of comradeship, (v) All charges levelled against you have been filled for future reference in case you commit the same offences within the next 5 years,” the statement reads.

The verdict means Dr Mutodi will remain the legislator for Goromonzi West Constituency, but chances of him retaining his ministerial position are very slim. Dr Mutodi will finish his legislative term representing a constituency where he has fallen out of favour with many Zanu PF members, especially those in Goromonzi West District where he assaulted a District Chairperson member in front of party supporters.

A senior party member from Sarakonzehuona District told the reporter that the district is eagerly waiting for Dr Mutodi to apologize since he insulted their leader in front of them.

“We have noted the ruling which was handed over to Mutodi by the disciplinary committee. We are eagerly waiting for him to come and issue an apology to our Chairman Cde Rwafa and the whole district for insulting him in front of every party member. He disrespected us so we want him to apologize for that” said the member.