By A Correspondent
Tafadzwa Masvayamwando Shumba, a former member of the Zanu PF Central Committee and independent candidate for Mwenezi West, vehemently criticized the party, calling it “wicked.”
His remarks came during his mother’s funeral service in Rutenga last week.
Clara Shumba, who was married to the late Mwenezi West legislator Isaac Shumba, was honored as a provincial war hero.
Shumba, who left Zanu PF due to allegations of widespread electoral fraud linked to the Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ) and Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) agents during chaotic primary elections, pointed to the controversial victory of Priscilla Zindari-Moyo, wife of a CIO director, as evidence of corruption. His campaign faced violence when his Toyota GD6 was reportedly stolen at gunpoint and subsequently set on fire near Chirindi Township after he publicly challenged Moyo.
Addressing mourners, Shumba revealed that important family documents were lost in the fire and that his mother’s health declined following the police’s decision to close the case without finding any suspects. He expressed his anguish, stating, “Zanu PF has caused our family immense suffering. We are now left without parents due to their actions. My family dedicated our lives to this party, only to be met with betrayal.”
Shumba recounted his mother’s struggles, stating, “She endured so much, fleeing from soldiers because someone betrayed her for aiding freedom fighters. They call her a provincial hero, yet they know the truth about their misdeeds. Many families are hurting because of Zanu PF.”
In response, Zanu PF provincial chair Rabson Mavhenyengwa dismissed Shumba’s claims as falsehoods. He pointed out that senior Zanu PF officials, including Otilia Maluleke and Tambudzani Mohadi, were present at the funeral but were not given the opportunity to speak. Mavhenyengwa argued that Shumba’s criticisms stem from his opposition stance, asserting, “He is simply trying to malign our party because he is against us. We honored his mother for her contributions to Zanu PF, and some members did attend despite being discouraged from speaking.”
The party has been accused of targeting former members who run as independents, with recent tensions culminating in the tragic death of Gutu West independent candidate Mutonhori Rwodzi, which was described as a freak accident on the Chivhu-Mpandawana highway.