Tinotenda Hove – Masvingo– A women’s rights group has condemned the harassment of Tsungai Mandati, the only female candidate in the Ward 7 Masvingo Urban by-election, after she was unfairly targeted with personal attacks aimed at discrediting her political ambitions.

Mandati, popularly known as Mai Masimba, has been accused of being a woman of “loose morals,” allegations critics say are rooted in her refusal to bow to intimidation, name-calling, and discrimination.

The Masvingo Women Rights Organisation (MWRO) denounced the attacks as chauvinistic and destructive. In a statement, MWRO said:

“We categorically reject the harassment, intimidation, and character assassination being directed at women in politics, including Tsungai Mandati. Attempts to portray competent, assertive women as morally loose or unfit for office are not only baseless but perpetuate dangerous stereotypes that limit women’s participation in public life. We call on all political actors, the media, and the public to stop spreading unverified claims and to focus on the qualifications, policies, and vision of candidates rather than their gender or private life.”

MWRO further emphasized that women have an equal right to run for office, express their views, and participate in governance without facing insults or intimidation.

Observers argue that the smear campaign against Mandati detracts from urgent community issues such as service delivery, infrastructure, and development.

They insist that her campaign, like any other, should be judged on her policies and capacity to represent residents effectively—not on gendered speculation or political gossip.