AN independent candidate in Tsholotsho’s ward 1 by-election has accused Zanu PF of unleashing a campaign of vote-buying and intimidation including handing out 5kg bags of rice to villagers and targeting her campaign posters for destruction just days before the June 20 polls.
Solani Mlilo, who is squaring off against Zanu PF’s Lindiwe Mkwananzi, told Southern Eye that her posters were torn down at Samahuru school and business centre in what she described as a calculated political attack.
“During my campaign at Samahuru school and business centre, I discovered that my posters were torn down. My head was defaced, leaving only the colour of my dress,” she said.
“If it was an individual who had nothing to do with certain candidates, they would have destroyed both posters.
“But in my case, my posters were the ones targeted, leaving the other candidate’s intact. This was a deliberate move.”
Mlilo also alleged that villagers in Muzimunye village were allegedly given a 5kg bag of rice per household by the ruling party.
“They are using vote-buying as a political tool.”
Mlilo claimed that traditional leaders are being weaponised to intimidate voters. They are being told that “no development comes from the opposition” and only Zanu PF councillors are recognised at administrative offices.
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In one audio clip circulating online, purportedly featuring a traditional leader campaigning for the ruling party, a voice is heard saying opposition councillors are locked out of key government offices.
But Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Richard Moyo, who also serves as Zanu PF provincial chairperson, dismissed the vandalism as the work of rogue individuals.
“Those should be individuals doing that, not the party,” Moyo said.
“If any candidate is caught doing such, we will disqualify the person.”
He brushed off the claims as typical election-season “local politics”, where tempers flare and rivals turn on each other.
Nomination officer Phanankosi Mpofu said his office did not receive formal complaints of violence and promised to investigate.
“We have not received any concerns so far.
“We have a reporting structure called the Multiparty Liaison Committee where all contesting candidates are part.
“We expect such reports to reach my office through that structure,” Mpofu said.
He added: “Nevertheless, we are going to investigate the matter so that such concerns are addressed.”
