News / National
Karoro claims Zanu-PF rivals targeting him for successive election defeats
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Former Deputy Minister of Agriculture Douglas Karoro has accused political rivals Takesure Chikwamba and Charles Mutukudzi of orchestrating allegations that he stole fertiliser from the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), claiming the accusations stem from bitter competition in the Zanu-PF party primaries.
Karoro's statement follows the dramatic appearance of Mutukudzi as a State witness in the ongoing case, where Karoro faces charges of diverting agricultural inputs meant for farmers.
Speaking outside court, Karoro said the two men were motivated by resentment after failing to defeat him in three consecutive Zanu-PF primary elections for the Mbire constituency parliamentary seat—in 2015, 2018, and most recently in 2023. Remarkably, Karoro won the 2023 primary while he was on remand facing the current charges.
"At the heart of these allegations is nothing but political vendetta," Karoro said. "Chikwamba and Mutukudzi have been bitter since they lost to me repeatedly. They are now trying to use these false accusations to damage my reputation."
The rivalry dates back to when Chikwamba was the party's District Coordinating Committee (DCC) Chairperson for Mbire, with Mutukudzi serving as his deputy. According to court testimony, Mutukudzi reported suspicious trucks allegedly linked to Karoro loading fertiliser from the GMB Mushumbi depot, prompting him to file a report with the police. Chikwamba accompanied him during the filing.
In court, Mutukudzi acknowledged losing three times to Karoro in the bid to represent Mbire in Parliament but denied any personal bitterness. "It is human nature to want to win every election," he said, maintaining that his actions were motivated by duty and not personal grudges.
Karoro's lawyer, Admire Rubaya, questioned Mutukudzi's involvement in the matter, asking why reports of alleged malpractices at GMB would be directed to him when he held no official government role nor had any direct interest.
The case continues on Friday before Regional Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.
The outcome of this trial is keenly watched as it could have far-reaching implications not only for Karoro's political career but also on how internal party rivalries in Zimbabwe's ruling party play out in the courts.
Karoro's statement follows the dramatic appearance of Mutukudzi as a State witness in the ongoing case, where Karoro faces charges of diverting agricultural inputs meant for farmers.
Speaking outside court, Karoro said the two men were motivated by resentment after failing to defeat him in three consecutive Zanu-PF primary elections for the Mbire constituency parliamentary seat—in 2015, 2018, and most recently in 2023. Remarkably, Karoro won the 2023 primary while he was on remand facing the current charges.
"At the heart of these allegations is nothing but political vendetta," Karoro said. "Chikwamba and Mutukudzi have been bitter since they lost to me repeatedly. They are now trying to use these false accusations to damage my reputation."
In court, Mutukudzi acknowledged losing three times to Karoro in the bid to represent Mbire in Parliament but denied any personal bitterness. "It is human nature to want to win every election," he said, maintaining that his actions were motivated by duty and not personal grudges.
Karoro's lawyer, Admire Rubaya, questioned Mutukudzi's involvement in the matter, asking why reports of alleged malpractices at GMB would be directed to him when he held no official government role nor had any direct interest.
The case continues on Friday before Regional Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.
The outcome of this trial is keenly watched as it could have far-reaching implications not only for Karoro's political career but also on how internal party rivalries in Zimbabwe's ruling party play out in the courts.
Source - NewZimbabwe
