By Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo| It never rains but pours for Minister of State for Masvingo, Shuvai Ben Mahofa as she battles to recover from (food)poisoning as Zanu PF Provincial Women’s League and First Lady Grace Mugabe aide, Veronica Makonese, rises to accuse the troubled Mahofa of stealing Bona Mugabe’s wedding anniversary gifts as well as donations for the Gutu Rally.
In a development believed to be a sharp response to Mahofa’s attack on Mrs Mugabe, Makonese told the First Lady in a no holds barred meeting in Harare days before the explosive December conference, Mahofa stole donations for Grace’s rally in Gutu and Bona’s wedding anniversary gifts.
Despite attempts by Mahofa supporters to block Makonese from narrating the ordeal, Mrs Mugabe is reportedly breathing fire after hearing the developments. A member of the Zanu PF Women’s League who attended the meeting said Mahofa, who ironically fell ill soon after the Harare meeting and the conference, is now under fire from Mrs Mugabe.
“I attended the meeting myself and Makonese told the First Lady, Mahofa looted the Gutu rally donations and that she is involved in a spate of corrupt activities and it really angered Amai. An investigation team has since been deployed to Masvingo to look into the matter.
“As we speak Mahofa is under probe for corruption,” said the Zanu PF Women’s league icon. Last year Mahofa openly attacked Grace Mugabe saying she would not succeed her husband because she was too junior. Zanu PF members also say Grace is hitting back at Mahofa’s attacks, triggering a fresh contest in the Zanu PF power game. There are reports Mahofa was poisoned in Victoria Falls .
“I told the First Lady about Mahofa’s incompetence (and) corruption and the issue is being investigated -including the Mushayavanhu rally donations that were looted, ” Zanu PF provincial women’s league boss Makonese said.
Party insiders maintain Mahofa is being punished for openly attacking Grace who is believed to be positioning herself to take over the party presidency and eventually succeed her ageing husband as the Head of State. Makonese allegedly told Mrs Mugabe, Mahofa looted Bona Mugabe’s wedding anniversary gifts that came through her office.