Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko was removed from his position as second secretary of Zanu-PF by the party’s Central Committee, which is the highest decision-making body outside of Congress.
Mphoko was also banned for life for allegedly protecting criminals in the party. He however remains the Vice President of Zimbabwe and the Minister of National Healing and Reconciliation. Mphoko was appointed Vice President by President Robert Mugabe on December 10, 2014 after the ouster of National People’s Party leader Joice Mujuru. Mphoko served as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa. Zanu-PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo said:
Cde Phelekezela Mphoko was removed from the position of Vice President and Second Secretary of ZANU PF for being divisive, a member of the cabal, protecting criminals, preaching hate speech and behaving in a manner inconsistent with the office and decorum of the office as Vice President.