Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-A legal storm is brewing at Rujeko Primary School after former School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson and Zanu PF member Patience Mapfumo approached the High Court seeking to nullify the recently held elections that ousted her.
Mapfumo is citing a string of alleged irregularities and procedural violations during the elections that ushered in Clemence Muzondo who garnered 120 votes.
Mapfumo managed 31, Ruth Mujeuri 95 votes, Dhemba 91 votes, Vandirai Chipunza 90 votes, Chirambamurivo Chirambamurivo 73 votes, Prosper Dendere 50 votes, and outgoing secretary Wisdom Matanga got six votes.
In an application to the High Court in Masvingo which is in possession of The Midweek Watch, Mapfumo challenges the legitimacy of the February 28, 2026 elections, arguing that “the process was flawed, lacked transparency and violated principles of natural justice.”
The application was lodged under the Administrative Justice Act, with the Provincial Education Director as first respondent, presiding officer Simbarashe Mandishona second respondent and the school head cited as the third.
Mapfumo alleges that the electoral process was compromised after “teachers were allowed to vote, contrary to prior agreements that only parents and guardians would participate.”
She further claims that “the presence of police officers at the school created an atmosphere of intimidation,” discouraging some parents from freely exercising their voting rights.
The outgoing chairperson also raised concerns over transparency, stating that “access to the attendance register was denied,” making it impossible to verify who was eligible to vote.
Additionally, she alleges a conflict of interest in the vote counting process, claiming it “was conducted by a member of the school administration with vested interests in the outcome.”
In her affidavit, Mapfumo accuses local authorities of abusing power, alleging that “the Housing Director threatened to dissolve the committee if the meeting was postponed” to address the concerns raised.
She also questioned the inclusion of BEAM (Basic Education Assistance Module) issues on the election agenda, accusing the school head of unilaterally introducing the matter and suggesting that there is a “foul smell of corruption” surrounding the funds.
As part of the relief sought, Mapfumo is requesting the court to “nullify the election results and order a fresh election within 21 days under the supervision of neutral Ministry officials.”
She is also calling for “a formal investigation into the handling of BEAM funds and the conduct of the school administration.”
Patience Mapfumo is represented by lawyer Dumisani Zimbwa.
