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Mohadi, CCC MP in ugly funeral bust-up
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A funeral in Beitbridge turned tense on Monday when two lawmakers, Senator Tambudzani Mohadi (Zanu-PF) and Sithabisiwe Mulowa (Citizens Coalition for Change, CCC), engaged in a heated exchange at the funeral of opposition activist Blessing Choeni.
Choeni, a prominent member of the opposition, passed away last week after succumbing to liver complications. He was known for his influential role in Beitbridge politics and his contribution to the CCC's local government victories. The funeral attracted political figures from both sides of the political divide, but tensions flared as Mohadi and Mulowa crossed paths at a VIP tent where Choeni's family and supporters were gathered to pay their respects.
Mulowa, who represents Beitbridge in the National Assembly as a CCC lawmaker, praised Choeni's courage and commitment to the party's cause, describing him as a "powerful and fearless" figure who played a key role in helping the CCC win all the local government seats in Beitbridge urban. "He was a powerful hand to the CCC achievements and will be missed by many," she said, reflecting on Choeni's political impact.
As mourners began preparing to depart for the cemetery, Mohadi and Mulowa found themselves in close proximity while offering condolences to Choeni's family, particularly Kiabetso Malutha, a cousin of the deceased. Tensions quickly escalated when both lawmakers, who had arrived separately, attempted to console Malutha. Mohadi, holding one of Malutha's hands, was confronted by Mulowa, who took the other hand. Instead of sharing a moment of sympathy, the situation quickly turned confrontational as Mohadi accused Mulowa of attempting to embarrass Zanu-PF.
The two lawmakers exchanged sharp political jabs, causing discomfort among the mourners who had gathered to pay their respects. Despite the interruption, the exchange was brief but marked by lingering animosity.
After the verbal sparring subsided, the funeral procession continued its journey to Tshibhidzanani village, Choeni's final resting place, where the political dynamics shifted further. The funeral's political stage was now dominated by Zanu-PF, with CCC officials reduced to bystanders. Zanu-PF officials, including Mohadi, Beitbridge Rural District Council chairperson Oscar Chiromo, and former Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Minister Aaron Maboyi Ncube, took the lead in the proceedings.
During the village service, Zanu-PF representatives took charge, and CCC members had no opportunity to speak. Choeni's death, which sparked political debates over his affiliation, further highlighted the divisive nature of his legacy. His political journey saw him leave Joseph Busha's Free Zim Congress to join the CCC, contributing to the political rivalry surrounding his death.
Choeni, who fathered 13 children, left behind a complex political and personal legacy. Some of his children traveled from across the world to attend the funeral, underscoring the international impact of his life. Despite his controversial political affiliations, Choeni's passing brought to light the continued rivalry between the major political parties, which extended even to his final moments.
Choeni, a prominent member of the opposition, passed away last week after succumbing to liver complications. He was known for his influential role in Beitbridge politics and his contribution to the CCC's local government victories. The funeral attracted political figures from both sides of the political divide, but tensions flared as Mohadi and Mulowa crossed paths at a VIP tent where Choeni's family and supporters were gathered to pay their respects.
Mulowa, who represents Beitbridge in the National Assembly as a CCC lawmaker, praised Choeni's courage and commitment to the party's cause, describing him as a "powerful and fearless" figure who played a key role in helping the CCC win all the local government seats in Beitbridge urban. "He was a powerful hand to the CCC achievements and will be missed by many," she said, reflecting on Choeni's political impact.
As mourners began preparing to depart for the cemetery, Mohadi and Mulowa found themselves in close proximity while offering condolences to Choeni's family, particularly Kiabetso Malutha, a cousin of the deceased. Tensions quickly escalated when both lawmakers, who had arrived separately, attempted to console Malutha. Mohadi, holding one of Malutha's hands, was confronted by Mulowa, who took the other hand. Instead of sharing a moment of sympathy, the situation quickly turned confrontational as Mohadi accused Mulowa of attempting to embarrass Zanu-PF.
After the verbal sparring subsided, the funeral procession continued its journey to Tshibhidzanani village, Choeni's final resting place, where the political dynamics shifted further. The funeral's political stage was now dominated by Zanu-PF, with CCC officials reduced to bystanders. Zanu-PF officials, including Mohadi, Beitbridge Rural District Council chairperson Oscar Chiromo, and former Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Minister Aaron Maboyi Ncube, took the lead in the proceedings.
During the village service, Zanu-PF representatives took charge, and CCC members had no opportunity to speak. Choeni's death, which sparked political debates over his affiliation, further highlighted the divisive nature of his legacy. His political journey saw him leave Joseph Busha's Free Zim Congress to join the CCC, contributing to the political rivalry surrounding his death.
Choeni, who fathered 13 children, left behind a complex political and personal legacy. Some of his children traveled from across the world to attend the funeral, underscoring the international impact of his life. Despite his controversial political affiliations, Choeni's passing brought to light the continued rivalry between the major political parties, which extended even to his final moments.
Source - newsday
