In perhaps the battle of all battles, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s top aides have been defeated in the just ended primary polls. They include Mnangagwa’s perceived heir Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.

The Lacoste casualities are:

ZANU-PF National Chairperson and Minister of Environment, Water and Climate Oppah Muchinguri lost to Joyce Bukuta Hamandishe in her quest to represent Nyanga in the Women’s quota.
Minister in charge of Public Service in the President’s Office Simbarashe Mumbengegwi lost to Larry Mavima in the Zvishavane Runde Senatorial poll. Larry Mavima is a close ally to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and is crdited as one of the people behind Mnangagwa’s ascendancy to power.
Matabeleland South provincial affairs minister Abednico Ncube lost to former ZBC journalist Omphile Marupi in the Gwanda South primaries.
Ministry of State in the Presidents’ Office Responsible for National Scholarships Christopher Mushohwe lost to Teedzyi Muchimwe in Mutare West.
Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Enterprise Development Mike Bimha lost to Dr John Mangwiro in Chivhu’s Chikomba West constituency.
Former Cabinet Minister and Zanu-PF Secretary for Legal Affairs Paul Munyaradzi Mangwana lost out to Ephraim Gwanongodza in Chivi Central.
Zanu-PF Youth League Deputy Secretary Lewis Matutu was massacred and lost by more than 4 000 (four thousand) votes to Dumezweni Mawite Mpofu in the Zvishavane Runde poll.
Former Minister of Lands and Resettlement lost to Douglas Mombeshora lost Precious Chinhamo Masango in Mhangura.
Avowed supporter of President Emmerson Mnangagwa Energy Mutodi defeated incumbent Biata Nyamupinga in Goromonzi West.
Though not high profile, Vice President General (retired) Constantino Chiwenga’s mother-in-law Helga Mubaiwa lost out to Munyaradzi Maworesa Kashambe in Seke.