By Fanuel Chinowaita
RUSAPE, Manicaland – Rusape Town Council Chairperson Lovemore Chifomboti has publicly denied allegations he has joined the ruling ZANU-PF party, calling the claims “false and misleading.”
The denial comes amid circulating reports and video recordings suggesting local opposition councillors have attended ZANU-PF Rusape rally, part of a broader political realignment in Zimbabwe often referred to as the “Come Home” initiative.
Speaking to The Wasu Post, Chairperson Chifomboti refuted claims that he had switched allegiance. “I am being confused by ZANU PF members who said I joined their part. That is not true,” he stated.
Chifomboti shifted the focus to other figures, alleging, “Pishai joined ZANU PF and was promised a farm and a car. Teddy did go, but he did not join.” He stressed the matter involved specific councillors and Pishai, insisting, “These are the people involved, not me.”
One of the councillors named, Tedius Chipere, initially responded with hostility to a Wasu Post reporter, stating, “Don’t play with me… I’m not someone to talk to if you want to twist my words.”
However, Chipere later denied formally joining ZANU-PF but admitted to attending a gathering and accepting money. He did not dispute attending a “Join ZANU-PF” event. In WhatsApp audio recordings cited by the publication, Chipere is alleged to have said he, Pishai, and four rural councillors attended and were each given US$200.
Attempts to reach Pishai for comment were unsuccessful.
The allegations and admissions occur against a backdrop of reported ongoing political shifts in late 2024 and 2025, where some former opposition figures have rejoined ZANU-PF. While names like Muchauraya have circulated in related discussions, the Rusape claims highlight potential tensions and defections at the local government level.
The situation raises questions about the nature of political participation and patronage within Zimbabwe’s current political landscape.