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Independent candidate arrested for defacing Zanu-PF posters
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An independent candidate contesting the Chegutu Municipality Ward 1 by-election, Tonderai Elisha Dausi, has been arrested for allegedly defacing campaign posters belonging to a rival Zanu-PF candidate.
Dausi, 33, was apprehended by police from Pfupajena in Chegutu on Thursday afternoon.
A source who spoke to NewZimbabwe.com claimed that upon his arrest, Dausi was instructed to switch off his mobile phone before being taken to an undisclosed location.
"Dausi was arrested by Pfupajena police, who have taken him into custody, but we are currently unsure of his whereabouts. Authorities allege he went about tearing campaign posters for Zanu-PF candidate Gift Konjana," said the source.
The arrest has sparked political controversy, with some describing it as a calculated attempt to derail Dausi's campaign ahead of the by-election.
"This is a plot to destabilise Dausi's electoral campaign in the face of imminent defeat for Konjana, a political turncoat who lacks credibility among voters," the source added.
The by-election, announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, is set for February 21 and has generated significant political tension in the town. The race features three candidates: Dausi, Zanu-PF's Konjana, and fellow independent contender Charles Birisawu.
The Ward 1 seat fell vacant following the death of Kimpton Mkombwe, who died in a mine accident late last year. Mkombwe had won the seat in the 2023 general election under the banner of the Citizens Coalition for Change.
Dausi, 33, was apprehended by police from Pfupajena in Chegutu on Thursday afternoon.
A source who spoke to NewZimbabwe.com claimed that upon his arrest, Dausi was instructed to switch off his mobile phone before being taken to an undisclosed location.
"Dausi was arrested by Pfupajena police, who have taken him into custody, but we are currently unsure of his whereabouts. Authorities allege he went about tearing campaign posters for Zanu-PF candidate Gift Konjana," said the source.
"This is a plot to destabilise Dausi's electoral campaign in the face of imminent defeat for Konjana, a political turncoat who lacks credibility among voters," the source added.
The by-election, announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, is set for February 21 and has generated significant political tension in the town. The race features three candidates: Dausi, Zanu-PF's Konjana, and fellow independent contender Charles Birisawu.
The Ward 1 seat fell vacant following the death of Kimpton Mkombwe, who died in a mine accident late last year. Mkombwe had won the seat in the 2023 general election under the banner of the Citizens Coalition for Change.
Source - newzimbabwe
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