In Retrospect: David Coltart Offers Apology to Ex-CCC MPs Fadzayi Mahere And Rusty Markham for By-Elections Remark

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has apologised after people online accused him of attacking former colleagues and CCC MPs Fadzayi Mahere and Rusty Markham.

ZANU PF Grabs Former CCC Seats In Harare

Over the weekend, people in Mt Pleasant and Harare East voted to replace Mahere and Markham. The former legislators resigned in January after CCC President Nelson Chamisa quit the outfit. The two assumed Chamisa allies left Parliament after the party’s self-appointed secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu, recalled legislators elected in the August 2023 elections.

ALSO READ: Following the Leader: Fadzayi Mahere Joins Chamisa in CCC Resignation

ZANU PF candidates Kevin Mutimbanyoka and George Mashavave won the by-elections, increasing ZANU-PF’s Harare seats to seven.

ALSO READ: “I Stand With Nelson Chamisa Though”: Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart Refuses To Resign From Office

Coltart’s Initial Sub Against Mahere And Markham

Coltart felt Mahere and Markham should not have resigned. He said on X:

“This is the reason I have always maintained it is critical we hold on to as much democratic space we have. Whilst I appreciate that Parliament has been subverted, without strong voices using Parliamentary privilege to expose corruption & other abuses, Zanu PF can get away with even more than it does already.”

The tweet sparked a firestorm, as some opined that it was useless to remain in Parliament. Others accused him of supporting Tshabangu.

Clearing The Air

Under the barrage of attacks, Coltart has come forward to explain his sentiments.

“One thing I need to make clear is that my comments were not intended as an attack on either Fadzayi Mahere or Rusty Markham, both of whom are dear and trusted friends. Ironically, my comments were borne from deep sadness, concern and regret that neither of them is still in Parliament.

“Both are amongst the finest Parliamentarians in #Zimbabwe and our Nation is all the poorer not having them there. However, my comments were interpreted as an attack on them, and for that, I apologise unreservedly.”

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