The general council of Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions (ZFTU) has expelled its president Alfred Makwarimba on allegations of mismanagement and embezzlement of funds.

The ZFTU general council on Wednesday also lifted the suspension imposed on vice president Joseph Chinotimba and immediately appointed him to act as president until the next general meeting to be held within a fortnight.

Makwarimba's expulsion followed a vote of no confidence that was passed by 23 affiliate unions during a heated meeting at the union's office at Makombe Building in Harare.

Two other members of the organization, organizing secretary, Tawanda Mupeti and information secretary Kenias Shamuyarira were also expelled because they were unconstitutionally appointed since they were both unemployed.

The general council also lifted the suspension of Bernard Dhanda, the union's secretary general.

Contacted for comment, Makwarimba, Mupeti and Shamuyarira denied the allegations leveled against them.

The three said that their expulsion from the ZFTU was unconstitutional.

"The general council has no power to dismiss us from the union. Besides it is unconstitutional and we will not accept the dismissal over flimsy and unfounded allegations," Mupeti said.

Source: Xinhua