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Felex Share Harare Bureau—
President Robert Mugabe’s decision to expel Vice-President Joice Mujuru from government is spot-on and morally correct as people’s wishes were not going to be fulfilled with saboteurs in place, political analysts have said. Legal experts weighed in saying Cde Mujuru’s dismissal was legally correct and could not be contested in any court as she was holding office at the pleasure of President Mugabe.

The President yesterday fired her together with eight Cabinet Ministers who were accused of plotting to kill him.

The ministers are Webster Shamu (Information Communication Technologies, Postal and Courier Services), Simbarashe Mudarikwa (Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs), Francis Nhema (Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment), Olivia Muchena (Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development), Nicholas Goche (Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare), Didymus Mutasa (Presidential Affairs), Dzikamai Mavhaire and his deputy Munacho Mutezo (Energy and Power Development).

The conspirators are believed to be part of Cde Mujuru’s team which has been accused of plotting to assassinate President Mugabe.

The clique was fired in terms of Section 106 (2) (b) of the Constitution which states that Vice-Presidents, Ministers and Deputy Ministers may not act in “any way that is inconsistent with their office, or expose themselves to any situation involving the risk of a conflict between their official responsibilities and private interests.”

Moreover, the Sixth Schedule of the new Constitution’s section 14 sub section (2) reads: “Without delay the person elected as President in any election referred to in subsection (1) must appoint not more than two Vice Presidents, who hold office at his or her pleasure”.

Harare lawyer Terrence Hussein said President Mugabe, being the chief executive of the country, had shown that he no longer had confidence in some of his lieutenants and legally had the right to fire them.

“It’s not about whether the right or wrong section was used and I don’t agree with those who say the President acted wrongly,” he said.

“It’s not for any value because you’ve failed to impress the appointing authority and he has the right to relieve you of your duties.”

Another legal expert, Jonathan Samukange, said it was impossible for Cde Mujuru to challenge her dismissal in court.

“They’re serving at the pleasure of the President and that’s why when he appoints he’s not expected to consult anyone.

“You’re not appointed in terms of a certain clause and neither can you be removed using a certain clause. You’ve failed to serve for the purpose you’ve been appointed for and the President has a right to dismiss you.”

Zimbabwe Liberation War Collaborators’ Association chairman Cde Pupurai Togarepi said Cde Mujuru and her team had asked for President Mugabe’s wrath.

“He’s the captain of the ship on a voyage and if he believes the people he’s steering the ship with are always sleeping, he has one option, which is to throw them overboard into the sea and continue with his journey,” he said.

“He’s done it in a civilised manner. They had spoiled the image of the country and President Mugabe had been criticised for failing to fulfil election promises because of them and now he can work for the people with committed people.”

Political analyst Charity Manyeruke hailed President Mugabe for “acting on behalf of the disappointed majority.”

“These people negated their duties and took people for a ride. Their worst crime, as a cabal, was the plot to assassinate the President.

“They went against the ideals of democracy, practising politics of a clique instead of politics of the will of the people.”

Nhamo Mhiripiri, another analyst, said it was going to be difficult for President Mugabe to deliver with people he had no confidence in.

“Any leader needs total commitment and support from his subordinates and if you doubt them you won’t achieve your objectives.”

Said Zanu-PF Harare youth chairman Cde Godwin Gomwe: “Beginning next year, we’ll see changes in the country. No one was working as the focus was on factional fights.

“This is good riddance of bad apples who were stalling development.”

Political analyst Godwine Mureriwa said President Mugabe had been patient for long and if he had not taken action this time, people would have doubted his effectiveness.

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association secretary for information and publicity Cde Mandi Chimene, said the cabal knew the consequences of their actions and should not be surprised.

“They expected it. They knew that if they miss the target, they’ld be hit and now they’re in for it,” she said.

Another commentator Christopher Gwatidzo said: “A number of these people have been found wanting and had betrayed the party to the extent of seeking the removal of the President.

“You can’t have them continuing to serve when they harbour such devious intentions.”