The suit emanates from a press conference addressed by Matutu at the Zanu-PF headquarters in Harare in June where he singled out Mpofu as among those senior party officials involved in corrupt activities.
The list also included Prisca Mupfumira, the former tourism minister who is facing prosecution over corruption allegations.
Zanu-PF members said the timing of the filing of Mpofu’s lawsuit against Matutu was calculated to coincide with the absence of Mnangagwa from the country.
“The lawsuit was filed when President Mnangagwa was away in Russia and this is a problem that he will fly into on his return,” said a party member.
The party members said Mnangagwa will be compromised as to whose side he would take as Matutu not only hails from his home province of Midlands but the Matutu and Mnangagwa families share strong ties.
“Mpofu on the other hand is a veteran of the party and a political strong man from Matabeleland region with so much influence. It remains to be seen whose side the President will take given the circumstances,” said the Zanu-PF member.
