Tinotenda Hove – A Zimbabwean political figure who was recently reported missing following a local authority by-election in Chegutu has resurfaced, confirming that he is alive.

Gift Konjana, who previously stood as an MDC Alliance parliamentary candidate for Chegutu West in 2018 before later aligning with ZANU-PF, released a statement announcing both his safety and his decision to walk away from politics, citing what he described as a “toxic political environment.”

Konjana had been declared the winner of the Chegutu Ward 1 by-election held on 21 February under a ZANU-PF ticket. Shortly after his victory, he disappeared, prompting concern among relatives and supporters. His family went on to file a missing person report at Pfupajena Police Station.

During his absence, speculation mounted, with some suggesting he may have been targeted due to internal party tensions or his political history.

However, on Thursday, 26 March, a statement attributed to him confirmed that he is safe. In the message, Konjana sought to reassure the public, saying:
“This statement is made to reassure particularly my family, friends, fellow Christians and my community and Zimbabwe that I, Gift Konjana, by the grace of God, am safe.”

He went on to describe the experience as deeply distressing, adding:
“There are no words sufficient to describe the weight of the ordeal I have recently walked through, nor the depth of the peace I feel being back among you.”

Konjana credited prayers from supporters for his survival, stating:
“Today, I am writing this not just as a survivor, but as a living testimony to the power of collective prayer.”
Reflecting on the period he was missing, he said:
“When I was in darkness, isolated and facing the unknown, there were moments when my own strength failed me.”

He added that he felt spiritually protected despite the circumstances:
“However, I felt a strange, persistent covering and knew that I was not forgotten. I know that this was the result of your tireless intercession.”

Expressing gratitude, he continued:
“Thank you for crying out on my behalf when I was silenced, weak and vulnerable. I am convinced that my final escape was not merely a stroke of luck or a coincidence of timing.”

He further emphasized his belief in divine intervention:
“It was the direct answer to a thousand whispers sent to Heaven. Your prayers created a hedge of protection around me, confused the path of those who sought me harm and ultimately paved the way for my safety.”
Konjana also claimed that the incident was not isolated, saying:
“This attempt was after several other attempts on my life and limb. Thank you once again friends and fellow countryman for your prayers.”

In a significant development, he announced his withdrawal from public office and politics entirely:
“I have made the decision to withdraw from the toxic political environment in Zimbabwe and will not be taking up the position of councillor in Chegutu.”

He concluded with a firm declaration:
“By this statement I wish to inform the relevant authorities that I will not be taking up any political post in my life.”

Konjana is also known for his prolonged legal dispute with Dexter Nduna over the Chegutu West parliamentary seat in the 2018 elections.

Although Konjana initially appeared to have narrowly won, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission later declared Nduna the victor, attributing the reversal to a “clerical error.”
Despite the electoral body acknowledging the mistake, Konjana’s efforts to reclaim the seat through the courts were unsuccessful, with rulings dismissing his case on procedural grounds rather than addressing the substance of his claims.

He later returned as an independent candidate in the 2023 elections but was defeated, a setback that preceded his eventual move to join ZANU-PF.