Mapfumo challenges SDC election in court

A former school committee chairperson in Masvingo has taken legal action challenging the outcome of a recent School Development Committee (SDC) election at Rujeko Primary School, alleging widespread irregularities and procedural flaws.

Patience Mapfumo, a controversial former SDC chair and known Zanu PF activist, has filed an application at the High Court under case number HCMSC137/26, seeking to overturn the results of the February election she lost.

The respondents cited in the application include Provincial Education Director Shylatte Mhike, Masvingo City Director of Housing and Social Services Simbarashe Mandishona, and Rujeko Primary School head Phineas Muchati.

Mapfumo is contesting the legitimacy of the poll, which saw Clemence Muzondo elected chairperson with 120 votes, while she secured just 31 votes. Other candidates who performed strongly included Ruth Mujeuri (95 votes), Dhemba (91), Vandirai Chipunza (90), Chirambamurivo (73) and Prosper Dendere (50).

In her court papers, Mapfumo alleges that the election process was flawed, arguing that teachers involved in vetting voters were also allowed to cast ballots, while some parents were intimidated and denied proper participation.

She further claims that the presence of police at the polling venue created an atmosphere of fear, effectively discouraging legitimate voters from taking part.

"Respondents denied the SDC access to the attendance register, preventing verification of voter eligibility… this breach goes to the root of the election as non-eligible persons were allowed to vote," she argued.

Mapfumo also accuses Simbarashe Mandishona, who presided over the election, of allowing a hostile environment in which she was allegedly vilified, creating undue influence over the outcome.

Additionally, she has raised concerns over the integrity of the vote-counting process, alleging that a member of the school administration who participated in the election also handled the counting of ballots.

"The counting of votes was conducted by a person who had a vested interest in the outcome," she stated.

Mapfumo further claims that attempts to halt or postpone the election to address the alleged irregularities were blocked, with threats that the committee would be dissolved if proceedings were delayed.

The legal challenge marks the latest chapter in a series of disputes surrounding the governance of the school's SDC, following a contentious 2025 election that also drew criticism.

The High Court is expected to determine whether the election process met the required legal and procedural standards.