Mphoko, Mujuru descend on Masvingo

Injured Mudock Chivasa (left) and Mudzamiri sit in their car

…as NCA candidate is attacked in Bikita

TellZim Reporter

19 Jan 2017 – MASVINGO – As the Bikita West by-election reaches fever pitch, Vice President; Phelekezela Mphoko and Zim PF President; Joice Mujuru have descended on Masvingo to drum up support for their candidates ahead of this Saturday’s by-election.

The two held rallies with Mphoko addressing Zanu PF supporters in Bikita at Nyika prowth point while Mujuru addressed Zim PF supporters at Mucheke Hall in Masvingo.

Although Mphoko brought along popular Dendera musician Suluman Chimbetu, he failed to draw even half the crowd that was pulled by Emmerson Mnangagwa when he visited the area earlier this month.

Mphoko pleaded with locals to vote for the Zanu PF candidate Beauty Chabaya and noted that he could not make any electoral promises as he feared being labelled a liar.

Addressing people at Mucheke Hall, Mujuru, who will also be in Bikita today (Thursday) also pleaded with Zim PF supporters to rally behind Kudakwashe Gopo and tried to justify the imposition of his candidature.

Gopo won the right to represent the party in the by-election even though the party did not hold primary elections.

“When we chose Gopo to represent us in Bikita West, the party was not yet stable as it is today so we just had to do what we could. This has however, turned to be a learning curve as we now know what the people want. We promise that if we are to take part in any election next time, we will hold primaries so that we send your choice to contest in the election,” said Mujuru.

Mujuru also took time to respond to criticisms on why Zim PF was taking part in by-elections while at the same time crying foul over the electoral system through NERA.

“Questions have also emerged on why Zim PF is contesting in elections while at the same time, we are a NERA signatory. I will tell you that Zim PF participation in this by-election does not stop us from advocating for electoral reforms.

“You must also not mistaken us for MDC-T who vowed that they will not take part in any election until electoral reforms are made. We never said that as Zim PF so generally, we are fighting for the same cause but we never said we will not take part in elections,” added Mujuru.

Meanwhile, the NCA candidate for Bikita West; Mudock Chivasa has claimed that he was viciously attacked allegedly by Zanu PF supporters on Tuesday at Nyika growth point.

“The youths followed me the whole day and by the time we were about to leave Nyika, they attacked me and my election agent Thomas Mudzamiri. The attack happened at around 10 pm and they were armed with a gun. I feel pain in my head and left wrist,” Chivasa said.

Chivasa said he will, however, continue to campaign despite the disturbances. He also added that the people of Bikita should know that elections come and go.

“We must not beat each because elections come and go but we will remain people from Bikita. We must never be at each other’s throats because of political differences. I will take further action soon after elections,” said Chivasa.news