Mphoko leads Zanu-PF vote buying

Acting President Phelekezela Mphoko on Sunday dished out cash and foodstuffs at a rally to drum up support for Zanu-PF's candidate in the Chikanga-Dangamvura by-election as the ruling party pulls out all stops to win seats vacated by MDC-T MPs.

Zanu-PF has launched an aggressive campaign ahead of the 16 by-elections to be held across the country on June 10.

Mphoko, who was the guest of honour at the campaign rally for the ruling party's Chikanga-Dangamvura candidate Esau Mupfumi, dished out cash and wheelchairs to selected party members.

A truckload of rice was parked at the venue in what observers described as a clear violation of electoral laws. Businessman Phillip Chiyangwa publicly flaunted $1 000 which he handed over to Mphoko to give to party supporters at the rally.  

The Affirmation Action Group donated $1 000 while Higher and Tertiary Education minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri also gave $50 to an unidentified girl who had tumbled in a race organised to entertain guests.

Zanu-PF members were later given several tonnes of rice to distribute among themselves.