Kasukuwere fingered in Mbalekwa's dramatic u-turn

Former CIO operative Pearson Mbalekwa who had won the ticket to represent ZANU PF in Chiwundura by-elections but stepped down hours later citing his child's ill heath said he feared he would not cope with immense pressure of elections.

 

Mbalekwa had garnered 1 511 votes and Brown Ndlovu who came second had 1 196.

 

"I would like to announce that I have voluntarily withdrawn from participating in the Chiwundura Constituency by-election.

"This is my sole decision because my child who is abroad is not feeling well and I felt my attention will be divided and I won't cope with the immense pressure of elections".

However, state media blame national commissar Savior Kasukuwere of blocking the former spy.

"The party received names from the contestants who were prepared to stand in the Midlands province.

"Out of the 21 candidates 20 were approved by the party and one Cde Mbalekwa's application was turned down for various reasons.

"That is the position of the party, so, whoever is to emerge at the top outside the candidature of Cde Mbalekwa will stand for the party.

"We advised the province of Midlands this morning (on Monday) and so we will not entertain the defiance to party decisions and directive given to the province" he is quoted saying.