Zim MP suspended over foreign funding claims

HARARE – Zimbabwe’s main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has suspended a member of parliament from its ranks over false claims the party had received illegal foreign funds, charges he later withdrew.

MDC legislator Job Sikhala accused the party’s leaders of squabbling over US$2,5 million in funds received from Ghana, Nigeria and Taiwan, prompting President Robert Mugabe’s government to order a probe into the allegations a week ago. The three countries have denied funding the MDC.A spokesman for MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai said the party had suspended Sikhala from the organisation – a first step towards possible expulsion from both the MDC and parliament – because he had severely damaged the image of the party.But Sikhala said he did not recognise his suspension and accused Tsvangirai of behaving like a dictator.- Nampa-ReutersThe three countries have denied funding the MDC.A spokesman for MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai said the party had suspended Sikhala from the organisation – a first step towards possible expulsion from both the MDC and parliament – because he had severely damaged the image of the party.But Sikhala said he did not recognise his suspension and accused Tsvangirai of behaving like a dictator.- Nampa-Reuters