ZANU-PF factional fighting has flared up once again after close Grace Mugabe funder in the Midlands, Smelly Dube, was arrested last week and is currently “in a coma” at Clay Bank Hospital.
Prosecutors have insisted on charging her even though she is unable to talk and is unresponsive.
In a strange response, G40 kingpin, Jonathan Moyo, this week linked Smelly’s arrest to her links to Grace Mugabe.
Smelly is facing three counts relating to the sale of land to the public in Gweru, Shurugwi and Zvishavane.
According to the charge Sheets, the counts are as follows:
Count 1 ( Fraud – USD 469 000)
Sometime in 2007, Dube was allocated 669 stands at Woodlands farm by Matilda Manhambo on behalf of the former minister – Cephas Msipa.
Count 2 – (Fraud – USD 6 Million)
22 March 2012, Dube was allocated 1000 stands at Mabula farm in Zvishavane through an offer letter signed by Midlands governor Jaison Machaya.
Count 3 – ( Fraud – USD 3 Million), Dube was allocated 500 stands at Magakooshla farm in Shurugwi through an offer letter signed by Jaison Machaya.
A close look at the charges show that the cases arise from old cases dating back to over 10 years ago. This is an indication that the charges are trumped up and are political in nature.
Who is Smelly Dube
Dr Smelly Dube is a prominent property developer in the Midlands area who claims to have developed over 10 000 residential stands. She is the founder of River Valley properties.
She is a philanthropists and was a staunch supporter and funder of various demonstrations and vote of no confidence against Mnangagwa dating back to the days of Mai Mujuru and Grace Mugabe.
Smelly is a serious threat because she has close links to the grassroots and has openly used her vast resources to support Grace Mugabe.
Her Midlands base makes her especially dangerous as she freely moves in the same areas where Mnangagwa wants to exert his influence.
Hatred With July Moyo and Owen Muda
Friction between Smelly Dube and the pair of Owen Muda and July Moyo peaked in 2016 when Smelly Dube sponsored a vote of no confidence in July Moyo and demonstrations against Mnangagwa.
Dube, Grace Mugabe and Mujuru were all opposed to Mnangagwa who they saw as a threat to their presidential ambitions.
On her arrest, Smelly Dube’s close confidents told media houses that she had collapsed after receiving a threatening call from July Moyo and Owen Muda.
It was only after the release of the charge sheet that media houses became aware of the details of the court case.
Conclusion – What is Going On
It is clear that Grace Mugabe and G40 have started re-grouping. Instead of launching a frontal attack on Mnangagwa, various groups related to July 31st have started regrouping.
Mnangagwa and his advisors believe that the activities of Smelly Dube are a sufficient threat in the Midlands and have decided to neutralize her. It remains to be seen what if she is going to remain in a coma, or if she dies, this would be a major setback for Mnangagwa’ s team.
For Grace Mugabe, the elimination of Smelly Dube would represent a major setback to her planned comeback.
Please see the full charge sheets below:
