Thelma Wandayi
GWERU: A Zanu PF District chairperson for the Nyautore party district within the Takawira area in Chirumhanzu South, Muchato Masvinu drowned and died while trying to cross flooded Shashe River, all in an effort to go and cast his vote at the ongoing Zanu PF DCC elections.
Masvinu got swept away as his wife watched helplessly.
Zanu PF Acting Spokesperson, Patrick Chinamasa, who is leading the Midlands elections directorate team confirmed the development during a press briefing held yesterday.
“I begin my press brief on a very sad note as we received news on the untimely death of the district chairperson for Nayutonge party district.
“So, with your permission, I would like to observe a minute of silence in honor of our dear comrade who braved and sacrificed his life in order to exercise his right to vote,” Chinamasa said.
His body was recovered.
Meanwhile, today marks the end to elections in Midlands Province a party communication says all election residue has been received from all eight districts.
The communication says results have been delayed as the party awaits reports from presiding officers in Gokwe South constituency.
It has also been noted in the communication that 12 polling stations were affected by bad weather and people could not cast their vote.
“We had a total of 296 poling stations. However, voting was conducted in 284 polling stations. 12 polling stations were affected due to prevailing weather conditions; some rivers were flooded and continuous rains caused roads to be slippery,” the communication reads.
Six districts namely Chirumhanzu, Gokwe South, Gweru, Kwekwe, Mberengwa and Zvishavane have submitted petitions to the National Elections Directorate and wind has it that re-runs might be on the horizon.
