Political Reporter

The erstwhile leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Nelson Chamisa, has disowned his supporters, asserting his non-involvement in any political organisation or movement.

This revelation comes amidst a legal battle over the takeover of CCC provincial offices in Bulawayo by individuals claiming allegiance to Chamisa.

The unfolding saga began when Sengezo Tshabangu, acting as interim CCC Secretary General, initiated an urgent chamber application to reclaim the party's Bulawayo provincial offices, which had been seized by a faction purporting to be Chamisa loyalists.

In his opposing affidavit filed at the Bulawayo High Court on February 27, 2024, Chamisa decried the misappropriation of his name and image by individuals unaffiliated with him.

"Many people who have no connection to me misappropriated my name and image, falsely representing themselves as my supporters," said Chamisa.

Tshabangu, in the CCC's urgent court application, lamented the forcible takeover of their provincial office, Gertrude Mthombeni House, alleging that Chamisa's supporters had unlawfully assumed control and painted the premises.

However, Chamisa maintained his innocence, asserting, "I deny all allegations and affirmations made in this application. I have no involvement in any premises' takeover, particularly in Bulawayo."

The controversy deepened as reports surfaced of former CCC members Gift Ostallos Siziba and Amos Chibaya laying the groundwork for a purported new political movement, to be led by Chamisa.

Despite these claims, Chamisa reiterated his detachment from any political entity, stating, "I have no current affiliation with any colour, political organisation, or movement."

Chamisa further throws his supporters under the bus, urging Tshabangu to take legal action against those occupying CCC offices in Bulawayo.

"If there are individuals occupying the premises, the applicant should pursue legal recourse against them. Dragging my name into this charade is unwarranted and baseless," he emphasised.

Political commentator Edith Mushore suggested that it was probable that the individuals who seized control of the CCC offices in Bulawayo were indeed Chamisa supporters. She emphasised that instead of distancing himself from his supporters, Chamisa should take responsibility for their actions and urge them to vacate the offices, while compensating for the damages incurred.

"Chamisa must not abandon his supporters in times of crisis. It's imperative for him to demonstrate leadership by urging them to relinquish control of the offices and cover the costs of the damages inflicted. This would not only uphold accountability but also reaffirm his commitment to ethical governance," Mushore remarked.

Mushore concluded that by disassociating himself from his supporters, Chamisa is gradually creating a divide between himself and those who rally behind him.