Mugabe's Zanu-PF takes control of Kwekwe

ZANU-PF has taken control of Kwekwe City Council, with the ruling party now holding a majority of the council seats and influential positions in the local authority following the death of MDC-T councillor and deputy mayor Aaron Sithole, two months ago.

The two parties were evenly balanced, with each holding seven seats.

While Zanu-PF had the mayorship, MDC-T counter-balanced with the post of deputy mayor and also held an equal number of committee chairpersons' posts.

Sithole has since been replaced by Zanu-PF's John Mapurazi, who was elected deputy mayor, while Asum Musa, also from the ruling party, was elected Ward 5 councillor in an election held at the weekend.

Musa polled 817 votes against Clever Ndlovu an independent candidate, who garnered 334 votes, giving Zanu-PF full control of council with eight councillors against MDC-T's six.

Mayor, Matenda Madzoke confirmed Zanu-PF now held both the mayor and deputy mayor's posts, but said this was based on competency, as opposed to political parties.

"We have worked well with the MDC-T councillors for the development of our city and I hope this will continue. When we walk into council, we are not political animals. We are civic leaders and should not put politics ahead of service delivery," he said.

Zanu-PF Midlands provincial spokesperson, Cornelius Mupereri said Musa's victory in an MDC-T stronghold was a sign that the ruling party was gaining more ground.

"These are just snippets of what will be obtaining in 2018. We are ready for next year's harmonised elections and we will vanquish all the opposing forces," he said.

The MDC-T has not been taking part in by-elections since 2013 demanding electoral reforms, although the party has indicated that it will contest the upcoming 2018 elections with or without the reforms.