Cephas Shava
Mwenezi-Home is no best for former Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) heavyweight Tongai Matutu who defected from opposition ranks to Zanu PF after he was trounced in the primary elections held on March 26 with the former Masvingo Urban legislator suffering a humiliating defeat in his bid to represent Mwenezi North constituency.
After unceremoniously breaking ties with the opposition movement, Matutu who has on record vowed to destroy his former paymasters found the going tough against current Mwenezi East MP Master Makope.
Matutu came last in the three-horse race with 799 votes after being walloped by former School head Master Makope who amassed 5 399 votes securing himself a clean ticket to represent Zanu PF in the newly gazetted Mwenezi North.
The humble Makope who has been credited by many locals for his servant leadership style became Mwenezi East legislator after being elected in last year’s by-election to replace the late legislator Joosbi Omar.
In second position in the Mwenezi North race was Peter Shotere who garnered 2 233 votes.
The Mwenezi East race which was probably one of the tightest without a predetermined winner, saw youthful Sheillah Chikomo securing 3 448 votes which makes her the Zanu PF candidate for Mwenezi East in the upcoming harmonized elections.
Trailing her in second position was Tavengana Muzenda who got 2 021 votes followed by Yunis Omar who garnered 1 526 votes. In fourth position was lawyer Jabulani Mberesi who secured 1 120 votes followed by Kenneth Sibanda who got 362 votes. One Wamambo and Matutu got 316 and 105 votes respectively.
In Mwenezi West Priscilla Zindari-Moyo, wife to Central Intelligence Director General Isaac Moyo, who is the incumbent went on to be re-elected to represent the party.
In second position was Tafadzwa Masvayamwando who is on record claiming that the elections were rigged in favour of Moyo after several cell registers reportedly went missing in his strongholds.
Other candidates who contested for the Mwenezi West are Obey Mbiza, Clearance Mhosva, one Mlilo and Renious Muchoko.
The primary elections which were marred by countless irregularities especially in Mwenezi East and West where several party members found their names missing in party cell registers had left contestants and several party members extremely disgruntled with some vowing for a ‘Bhora Musango’ to avenge for their frustration.
Those who were elected in Zanu Pf primary elections will square off with members from the opposition parties which are yet to name their representatives in the yet to be announced dates for the harmonised elections which are expected this coming August.
