Kasukuwere in Zanu-PF elections rigging storm

The State controlled Heralds reported that shocking details have emerged showing that Zanu-PF candidate in the recent Norton by-election Ronald Chindedza was imposed by the party's national commissar Saviour Kasukuwere after losing in primary elections.

An internal audio clip of party members leaked to the media revealed that dirty money exchanged hands to inflate votes in favour of Chindedza. It is alleged in the clip,  that Chindedza only polled seven votes, but the results were "cooked" at the instigation of Kasukuwere and he ended up having 257 votes.

As a result of the imposition, Zanu-PF eventually lost the seat to independent candidate Mr Temba Mliswa. Kasukuwere switched off his phone yesterday the moment this reporter introduced himself.

Zanu-PF secretary for Administration Ignatius Chombo said the party needed to listen to the audio clip before pronouncing itself. "I want to listen to it and study it so that we can see what we can do thereafter," he said.

One of the people speaking in the clip is believed to be Robert Kahanana who is Zanu-PF Harare deputy provincial chair. Kahanana yesterday did not deny the authenticity of the audio clip.

He, however, referred all questions to Zanu-PF Harare provincial secretary for information and publicity Abisha Ushewokunze saying he knew everything that transpired relating to the Norton primary elections.

"I think it's better that you talk to the provincial secretary for information and publicity Ushewokunze," he said. "He (Ushewokunze) knows what happened and he will give you all what you are looking for."

Contacted for a comment Ushewokunze said: "It's not professional for me to comment on something I have not authenticated or received officially from the party. Do you mind asking your source maybe they have a clear position on its origins or the people involved?"

According to the audio clip, Kasukuwere ordered the inflation of the results through his crony, Harare provincial commissar Shadreck Mashayamombe. Mashayamombe was not picking up his mobile phone yesterday.

Initially, according to the clip, people involved in the election process refused to manipulate the results but only gave in after being told that the order had come from Kasukuwere. Some police officers who were present were called to witness the manipulation.

"Ava vauya kwandiri vari kuti ndichinje number hanzi zvabva kuna political commissar (national) VaKasukuwere asi vauya through Shadreck Mashayamombe," said one of the speakers in the clip.

These developments come in the wake of President Mugabe's remarks last week lashing out at the party's top leadership for allowing Chindedza to contest on the party's ticket. President Mugabe said Chindedza had a dirty past and was not popular with the Norton populace.