Prime Minister’s engagement torches storm

There were rumours that the PM paid lobola to the Machekas a few days before the engagement.
Cde Macheka yesterday dispelled the rumours saying he had not received lobola from the premier.
“I can confirm tha I have not yet received anything from the PM. Regarding the engagement, I think it is important for you to speak to the people involved in the relationship,” he said.

Cde Macheka, a former Chitungwiza executive mayor, said he was not concerned about negative reports being peddled in the private media about his personality.
After the engagement, the private media was awash with reports that Cde Macheka’s political background was tainted and that his politics would affect Mr Tsvangirai’s role as MDC-T leader.

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PM Tsvangirai lost his first wife Susan in a car accident in 2009.
After the death of Susan, the MDC-T leader was linked to several women across the country.
In November last year, PM Tsvangirai married Locadia Karimatsenga Tembo.

He reportedly paid lobola, but divorced Locadia after 11 days citing media attention and alleging that State security agents had hijacked the relationship.
Impeccable sources, however, intimated that the PM dumped Locadia so that he could marry Elizabeth.
Locadia was introduced to the Tsvangirai family in Buhera as the PM’s new wife before the premier issued a statement divorcing her.

She stayed in Buhera for a month after the PM’s mother accepted her as her daughter-in-law.
PM Tsvangirai’s marriage to Locadia in November also courted the ire of traditional chiefs.

Chief Negomo of Chiweshe fined the PM two beasts and a white robe for marrying in November against the Shona culture.
Traditionally, it is taboo to solemnise marriage or conduct rituals in November, which is considered a scared month.

A Bindura magistrate endorsed Chief Negomo’s ruling before another magistrate from the same town nullified the ruling.
The case was subsequently referred to the High Court where it awaits determination.