Kasukuwere stands up to Mugabe over Norton

Zanu PF national commissar Savour Kasukuwere came under intense attack from President Robert Mugabe over the party's by-election defeat in Norton.

Zanu PF candidate, Ronald Chindedza whom Mugabe described as a common thief lost to independent candidate Temba Mliswa.

During Zanu PF Politburo meeting on Wednesday, Mugabe squarely blamed Kasukuwere for the defeat.

According to reports, Mugabe reportedly said it was the duty of the commissariat department to pick a best candidate for the party.

However, Kasukuwere was on the defensive telling Mugabe that lack of unity in the party contributed to the defeat.

"The political commissar gave a report on what happened in Norton and blamed the provincial executive for not being united as well as failing to assist with the selection of a candidate.

"It was heard from the presentation that Chindedza was not subjected to a security check within the party to verify his history within party structures.

" This angered the President, who was very upset with Kasukuwere," an unnamed source is quoted saying.

Kasukuwere is accused of rigging Zanu PF primary elections in favor Chindedza.

During the primaries, Chindedza polled only 7 votes but his 'offical' tally was 257.