Trusted sources say the Local Government Minister, Ignatius Chombo, is coordinating the scheme that is designed to weaken the Morgan Tsvangirai led party and reduce its chances of scoring an outright win.
A total of 29 former MDC-T members are standing as independent legislative candidates, while 28 others filed their papers to run parallel to the mainstream contestants in the municipal race.
The independents have formed a loose association called the Independent Candidates Alliance that will field candidates in Manicaland, Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South, Midlands, Harare and Masvingo.
According to the sources, the main objective of Zanu (PF) funding the independents is to ensure that Tsvangirai loses enough votes to enable incumbent President, Robert Mugabe, to avoid a runoff in the first round.
Sources say the Chombo bribery is nationwide, saying he has parcelled out residential and commercial stands and given financial rewards to several others who will be standing as independents and who have promised to sabotage the MDC-T vote.
Chombo, when contacted for a comment, claimed he was too poor to bankroll “MDC malcontents”.
“I wish I had the money you imply that I have. I also wish to drive a BMW and there is no way I could fund MDC-T candidates. They all the same; they wear the red colour, which is a symbol of evil spirits and murder.
“I suggest you talk to Zvidzai, my deputy, as he knows them better and has been having problems with them within their party. I only know Chimombe as one of my juniors and nothing more,” Chombo told The Zimbabwean.
There have been reports from Chombo’s estranged wife, Marian, of the minister running an empire based on shady deals.
Post published in: News
Haunyare here chombo. kuzikanwa nevana vose kuti uri corrupt. ko zvaunonzizve wakaendawo kuchikoro. maPhD enyu etumacollege twekuUS aya-hameno!
Interesting that he speaks of MDC people wearing red-a colour of evil and murderers as he puts it. Does this mean his wearing of a red tie and his comfort sitting in a large red chair makes him the KING OF EVIL and MURDERERS. Grow up Chombo, we expect better from a man who is supposed to be highly educated.