Tinotenda Hove – Zanu PF’s Simbarashe Shonhiwa, popularly known as “Gweja,” secured a decisive yet controversial victory in the Masvingo Urban Ward 7 by-election, winning with 703 votes.

The result, however, was overshadowed by allegations of intimidation, vote buying, and apathy that kept turnout at a low 23.49 percent.

Independent candidate Struggle Desire Nyahunda came second with 192 votes, while another independent, Prosper Taruvinga Tiringindi, received 119. Former councillor Tafara Masimba’s wife, Tsungai Mandati, managed 58 votes. Out of 1,087 total ballots cast, only four were spoiled, reflecting the lack of enthusiasm among voters.

The biggest casualty was Douglas Togarasei Mwonzora’s MDC-T, whose candidate Prosper Mataruse polled a humiliating 11 votes across nine polling stations, with some stations recording zero. Analysts said the collapse of MDC-T support showed that the race was effectively between Zanu PF and independents, raising questions about the shrinking space for alternative opposition voices.

Insiders allege that Zanu PF deployed its usual arsenal of patronage and coercion to secure Gweja’s victory. “People were promised mealie-meal and money. Others were threatened with losing food aid if they didn’t vote Zanu PF,” claimed one resident who refused to be named.

Mwonzora’s failure to back his own candidate only added to the drama. One frustrated member of Mataruse’s campaign team said: “Mwonzora should leave politics. He has failed as party president, especially in his lack of support for his candidate, unlike in the Epworth campaign.”

Critics note that while Shonhiwa’s win strengthens Zanu PF’s grip on Masvingo, the low voter turnout and widespread disillusionment expose deeper cracks in Zimbabwe’s political system. Many residents reportedly stayed away from the polls, saying elections no longer bring meaningful change.

For Zanu PF, the Gweja win is a tactical gain. For the opposition, especially Mwonzora’s MDC-T, it is yet another confirmation that the party has lost all relevance.