MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora
By Donald Chakamanga
Harare – MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora has launched a scathing attack on businessman and political figure Cde Kudakwashe Tagwirei, accusing him of flaunting ill-gotten wealth during the Epworth by-election campaign while lacking meaningful political influence.
Addressing a press conference in Harare, Mwonzora accused Tagwirei of engaging in what he called “philanthropic posturing” to buy political support. “He may have financial resources,” Mwonzora said, “but he lacks political muscle.”
He further described Tagwirei as incompetent and accused him of using money to manipulate vulnerable communities.
The MDC-T leader strongly condemned the demolitions in Epworth, where over 16,000 structures are reportedly set for destruction. He criticized local MPs for supporting evictions rather than protecting residents and called for immediate intervention to prevent further displacement.
Mwonzora used the platform to extend an invitation to former MDC members who had left the party, urging them to return and help restore unity. However, he warned against attempts to take over the party through unconstitutional means, declaring that “never again should we allow a hostile takeover of this party by unelected individuals.”
He also weighed in on the ongoing leadership dispute within the MDC, which has centered on the occupation of the Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House, the party’s headquarters. Mwonzora accused rival factions of deliberately misinterpreting a recent High Court ruling to mislead supporters.
“The judgment does not nullify the National Executive,” he stated, urging his opponents to seek legal clarity rather than resorting to what he termed “self-help and misinformation.”
While addressing internal divisions, Mwonzora reiterated that MDC-T remains a constitutionally grounded and democratically led institution, dismissing claims of illegitimacy.
In reference to rival opposition figures, Mwonzora mocked what he described as political inconsistency.
“Some of them are neither Mr Fish nor a Frog in politics,” he quipped, alluding to Morgen Komichi who have formed splinter parties or switched alliances multiple times. He emphasized that negotiations with the MDC must be based on mutual respect and constitutional recognition, “not at gunpoint.”
With the Epworth by-election looming, Mwonzora expressed confidence that the MDC-T candidate would defeat ZANU-PF, citing increased grassroots support
