LOSING MDC Alliance candidate for Harare South constituency in the 2018 elections, Shadreck Mashayamombe, has reportedly applied to re-join ZANU-PF.
Mashayamombe was the ruling party’s Harare Provincial Political Commissar until he was arrested in the aftermath of the military coup which deposed Robert Mugabe in November 2017, after which he joined the opposition MDC Alliance.
ZANU-PF has of late been opening the floodgates to its “lost sheep” who include former heavyweights Ambrose Mutinhiri and Didymus Mutasa. The two have confirmed they have since rejoined the ruling party.
A similar attempt to lure former Vice President Joice Mujuru is reportedly in motion, although it could fall either way.
A source indicated that Mashayamombe had applied to the Harare office, indicating he was “lost” and would be willing to serve the party even at the grassroots.
“Shadreck Mashayamombe has followed laid-down normal party procedures by applying through the ZANU PF Harare Provincial Secretary for Administration’s office,” a source said.
The Harare structures of the ruling party are currently dissolves followed a decision by President Mnangagwa to re-jig the urban structures in Harare and Bulawayo.
An interim restructuring team led by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is leading the province, while a similar arrangement led by Vice President Kembo Mohadi is leading the Bulawayo cause.
“Yes, the provincial office received an application by Mashayamombe to rejoin the party on Saturday(6 April). As you are aware, the (ZANU PF) provincial structures are presently dissolved. Once proper structures are established, the case will be dealt with accordingly”, said an interim provincial member.
In the letter, Mashayamombe reportedly begged the party to readmit him into the only home he knew, which is ZANU PF.
“He regretted having dined with the enemy when he ran on an MDC Alliance ticket in Harare South constituency. From where I stand, I don’t see any problem in readmitting him (Mashayamombe) but normal procedures will have to be done as a matter of formality,” the source added.
The timing of Mashayamombe’s application will likely heighten the tension within ZANU PF which is currently on a path to reconstitute Harare and Bulawayo structures.
However critics were quick to point out that Mashayamombe’s application for re-admission is most likely linked to the ongoing Land Commission inquiry probing the sale of state land in Harare.
“Mashayamombe is just being tactical, he knows he has a vast empire to protect, especially in Harare South where he sold vast tracts of land to individuals,” said one source.
Mutasa indicated he was admitted a while ago. “It happened a long time ago. I have been back in the party for sometime now, unless they expel me again. In the first place I never resigned,” Mutasa said.
Mutinhiri, a career soldier, left Zanu PF in the aftermath of the 2017 coup. He met former President Robert Mugabe early last year and was anointed interim leader of a loose coalition of individuals known as the National Patriotic Front initially known as the G40 faction of Zanu PF, that was bitterly opposed to Mnangagwa’s rise to power.
However, Mutinhiri performed dismally in the presidential election in which he was a candidate. The former Mashonaland East provincial Minister, in a short response, also confirmed he was rejoining Zanu PF.
“Yes it is true,” was all Mutinhiri could say when contacted for comment.