Paul Nyathi

Energy Ncube a nephew to State Security Minister Owen Ncube is set to challenge long-time ZANU PF losing candidate at the party’s primary elections to choose a candidate to represent Zanu PF in by-elections set for December this year in Kwekwe Central Constituency.

The seat fell vacant following the death of MP “Blackman” Masango Matambanadzo.

Ncube is preparing to take on gold mining magnet and an Archbishop of Zvipo Zvemweya Church, Kandross Mugabe in the party’s polls at the weekend.

Mugabe lost at the national polls in 2018 to Matambanadzo in the constituency seat which was once occupied by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Kwekwe is President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hometown.

“It’s true I am interested in representing Kwekwe Central Constituency in the coming by-elections,” Ncube said.

Two distinct factions have since emerged within the governing party with one camp backing Mugabe while Ncube is believed to enjoy support from party bigwigs.

“According to Zanu PF Green Book, which is the party’s constitution, I am the party’s shadow MP. I lost in 2018 elections to Matambanadzo but it has been a learning experience. For me it’s not about the position but it is about service,” Mugabe said.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has since indicated that by-elections will be held by 5 December.