MP says Zimbabwe Parliament is full of criminals

THE HON. VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MNANGAGWA): Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise to make clear an issue which if you make a ruling let us all be clear that you have made a ruling to the effect that we accept, which I personally do not accept that we have criminals in the Chamber.  I thought it was necessary for the Hon. Member, because those who have been found guilty are not in the Chamber.  It is my belief that all Hon. Members in the House are honourable and they are not criminals.  I believe that the Hon. Member should withdraw so that we do not have a record in history where we accept that we continued with a House with criminals. I do think it is proper.  However, if Mr. Speaker, you so rule that you think that there are criminals in this room, I do not agree but you have the right to do so.

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I agree with you Leader of the House.  It is my oversight on that one, I should have asked him to withdraw that particular point but I had only mentioned the Mliswa issue not going further to ask him to withdraw the rest of his statement.  If the Hon. Member could withdraw that part where you said some Hon. Members here are criminals.

HON. CHIMANIKIRE: Mr. Speaker, I said some…

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: No, I heard you.  It is on record – [HON. CHIMNAIKIRE: Ko kana ndisingade mugondiitei? I will walk out of the House.] – Order, order! Hon. Chimanikire, address the Chair please!

 HON. CHIMANIKIRE: Mr. Speaker, if I made a mention of those words, I withdraw.  I thank you.

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