Defiant ‘in-laws’ insist Locadia is still at PM’s home

By Peter Matambanadzo

The Karimatsenga family insists Locadia is still customarily married to Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and will remain at her in-laws’ home in Buhera. Ms Karimatsenga is in Humanikwa Village, Buhera, the PM’s rural home and is expected in Harare on Sunday according to the Herald.

The family said this in response to a statement by PM Tsvangirai claiming he had terminated his relationship with Ms Karimatsenga alleging that there was “an underhand and active political hand” that was now driving the processes.

The MDC-T leader claimed everything was choreographed “to inflict maximum damage on his person and character for political gain”. He said it would be inconceivable that a normal marriage relationship could be consummated with Ms Karimatsenga.

However, a family spokesperson for the Karimatsengas, Mr Simba Karimatsenga, yesterday said their daughter was still at her “husband’s” rural home.

“I cannot react to a statement in the newspapers, but what I can say is that Locadia is with her new family. Everyone knows where Locadia is. Why don’t you find out where she is for yourself from the Prime Minister’s office?” Mr Karimatsenga said.

He said the family was not aware where Mr Tsvangirai’s statement was emanating from as they considered Ms Karimatsenga to be married to him. Another relative close to the goings on also confirmed that Ms Karimatsenga was in Buhera.

“Yes, she is still in Buhera but I cannot speak to you as we have a family spokesperson. Talk to the spokesperson; he is in a better position to explain,” the relative said.

Mr Tsvangirai broke his silence on Wednesday saying he had terminated his relationship with Ms Karimatsenga 12 days after conducting formal customary rites with her family. PM Tsvangirai did not disclose the nature of those rites. He also indicated that he had “lost confidence” in the relationship.

Mr Tsvangirai’s marriage follows the death of his first wife, Susan in a car crash in 2009. Mr Tsvangirai’s spokesperson Mr Luke Tamborinyoka could not be reached for comment yesterday as the PM was on a tour of Matabeleland. The Herald